POLICE have stepped up their hunt for a vicious sex fiend who struck in Northwich more than five years ago.

The attack took place in November 1994 when a 13-year-old boy and his 13-year-old girlfriend were approached by a man near a railway bridge while they were walking through Verdin Park.

He dragged them into some bushes and viciously attacked and assaulted both of them before stealing a small amount of cash.

The attack has been linked by DNA to four other indecent assaults and attacks in Merseyside between 1989 and 1994.

But despite extensive efforts during a police investigation, codenamed Dragon, the offender has never been traced.

Now a reconstruction of two of the attacks has been filmed for the BBC's Crimewatch programme to be shown on BBC1 at 9.30pm, next Wednesday, September 6, which will show vital new information resulting from a re-investigation of the five incidents.

Detective Sergeant Paul Foster, part of the investigation team for Merseyside Police, said: "These were horrific crimes that have had a devastating effect on the victims.

"Some are still struggling to get on with their lives.

"I am sure someone holds vital information or may have suspicions that could help to solve these crimes."

The attacker was described in 1991 as being 5ft 10ins to 6ft tall, of slim build with mousey brown hair and with deep sad, staring eyes.

He often had facial stubble, was scruffy in appearance and spoke with a soft Liverpool accent.

Police believe he could possibly have changed his appearance since the early 1990s.

Anyone who may have any information which can help the police with their investigation into these violent attacks should ring St Helens CID on 0151 777 6171, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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