Police in 'monster hunt' need new lead

The man leading the hunt, Rother CID chief Detective Inspector Trevor Bowles, is again appealing for anyone who might have any information about the attack in Woodsgate Avenue on the evening of Sunday, May 18 to contact Bexhill police station on 0845 6070999.

So seriously was the attempted abduction rated that Sussex Police have loaned DI Bowles experienced detectives from the forces's major crime branch to strengthen his team.

The Inspector appeared on television after a reconstruction on BBC's Crimewatch of the moment when a man pounced on his victim as she played in the quiet avenue.

The programme produced more than 260 phone calls. Detectives have since been painstakingly working through this lengthy list.

There was no time on the programme to mention one possible lead.

"A guy with a similar description was seen in the vicinity of the Athletic Club, between there and the chip shop; very similar description. That afternoon he was seen to approach two teenaged girls who he had a short conversation with and the two girls walked off.

"It was as innocent a contact as that; but we have a witness who has put a guy of a similar description there.

"But the call that we have got this afternoon indicates that this guy might be another individual. It's an tenuous as that.

"We have run away from the idea that it might be the same guy.

"We are frankly up against a brick wall now. We have got nothing that is developing. I was really hopeful about a call to Crimestoppers yesterday - but we have eliminated him today."

*Calls may be made free of charge and if necessary in complete confidence on any crime matter via the Crimestoppers system. The number is 0800 555 111.