Detectives today believe they are closing in on a man described as a "real danger to women" after receiving leads from the public.

The culprit is thought to have attacked two women within 72 hours in Castle Point.

Since a manhunt was launched a week ago, Det Con Alex Gartshore has received a "number" of promising calls from worried women about the suspect who drives a white van.

Det Con Gartshore said: "A number of people have contacted us and we will be following up the information. Although there has so far been no arrest we are optimistic that may soon change."

The first assault happened at 8.30pm on Thursday, February 19 in Hilton Road, Canvey, when a man sprung from behind a white van to grab a 17-year-old girl.

She reacted by walloping him in the arm and he ran off towards the van. The other attack, being treated as an indecent assault, happened in Cranbrook Road, Benfleet, at 3am on Sunday, February 22.

A 20-year-old woman was knocked to the floor by a man who ran at her from an alleyway, next to shops.

The victim lay screaming as he leaned over and touched her thigh. He fled when she wouldn't stop screaming.

Police believe he sped off in a white van parked next to the alley. The man is described as white, in his 30s with ginger hair.

Call Det Con Gartshore on 01268 511212.

Published Friday March 5, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Echo