RAPE squad officers hunting the brutal Billinge Woods sex attacker have drafted in extra detectives.

The police started their hunt on October 8 after a 22-year-old woman was dragged from a footpath as she walked her dog and subjected to a terrifying 90-minute ordeal.

The investigation, which at one time involved more 60 officers, had been scaled down before Christmas.

But eight extra officers from the force's Crime Support Unit have now been brought in full-time to help follow up the hundreds of lines of inquiry still to be checked out.

The savage rapist, who taunted police with two letters after the attack, is believed to be in his mid 30s to early 40s, 5ft 9ins tall and stocky, with a beer belly and short, dark brown, greying hair. He has a round face and spoke with a deep, local accent.

Detectives have already featured the case on BBC 1's Crimewatch programme, have interviewed suspects and followed up leads throughout the country.

The victim, who was badly traumatised by the incident, has returned to work and begun to re-build her life. But she is still very nervous in public places and is scared of going out alone.

Detective Chief Inspector Mick Langdon said the decision to increase the number of officers on the case was unusual but highlighted the police's determination to catch the man responsible.

He added: "This was the most horrific attack I have seen. We needed extra officers to help us get through the volume of work and the inquiries which we need to follow up. We are determined to keep working until we get the breakthrough we need."

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