Home Whitstable News Article
KM Group offers £500 reward as Kent Police hunt serial attacker in Whitstable
08:30, 18 September 2014
After a string of attacks on women in Whitstable, the KM Group is offering a £500 reward for information leading to the conviction of whoever is responsible.
We have produced a poster designed to be displayed in the windows of people's homes as well as shops and newsagents in an effort to jog people's memories. You can download a version below.
Since January, nine women have been assaulted - with the latest incident involving an 80-year-old, who punched her attacker in the mouth.
The pensioner fought off the man after he tried to grab her in an alleyway between Bellevue Road and Invicta Road at 7.20am on Sunday before fleeing in the direction of the Crab and Winkle Way.
The suspect was said to be dressed in black with a hoody tied up to his mouth and nose. It is thought he might have grey hair.
DCI Paul Fotheringham said: "It appears the suspect has picked on the wrong person and she was able to bravely fight him off.
"I would like to hear from anyone who has information in relation to this incident.
"Do you know anyone who may have been out when the assault occurred and returned home with a facial injury? If anyone can help with this investigation, please call the police."
Earlier this month, a woman in her 20s reported she was followed by a man who hit her before stealing her purse in an alleyway off Joy Lane.
She suffered minor facial injuries and her purse was later found with bank cards and cash missing.
The man was described as being between 35 and 40, around 6ft, of medium build, shaved blonde hair, clean-shaven with acne-marked skin and wearing a navy blue hooded top.
Both incidents came after a 46-year-old man was arrested and bailed in connection with seven other attacks - including indecent exposure and sex assaults - committed over the last eight months.
Click the link below to download the poster to display in your window
Reward poster in hunt for serial Whitstable attackerWhitstable Gazette editor Leo Whitlock said: "We are determined to do all we can to help the police track down whoever is responsible for these attacks.
"This sort of thing simply does not and should not happen in Whitstable."
The reward is for information that leads directly to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for these attacks.
Should that apply to more than one person, the reward will be shared.
If you have any information on the attacks, phone police on 01303 289600 quoting reference ZY/30439/14 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.
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