A young student told today how she came face to face with a crazed knifeman.

The 20-year-old had a knife put to her throat and feared she was about to be raped.

Her 15 seconds of terror ended when she screamed for help and the attacker fled.

The woman is one of ten victims of attacks in Brighton and Hove since the end of October.

They have either been robbed, slashed and stabbed, abducted and, in the latest attack this week, raped at knifepoint.

That rape, of a 26-year-old Australian woman, happened in Queensbury Mews early on Wednesday.

Police fear the assaults may all be the work of one man and 26 officers are working day and night to catch him. The hunt will carry on during Christmas if need be.

The student backed police appeals for witnesses to come forward.

She said: "This man has got to be a psychopath. He has got to be mad and we have got to get rid of him."

The woman's ordeal started when she arrived at the friend's house where she was staying and noticed a man walking down the centre of the road.

The door was difficult to open. As she struggled with it he came towards her and wedged himself in the door as she tried to close it behind her.

The woman said: "He was waving the knife and pushing the door, trying to get in. I was pushing the door against him, yelling, screaming and swearing at him.

"At one point, he had the knife really close to my throat. I don't believe he was out to rob - he purely wanted to hurt me.

"I remember screaming all the different things I could think of and I think my last scream saved me. I shouted out, 'Guys, help me'."

Thinking she was about to be rescued, the attacker fled.

The victim said: "Every time I close my eyes I see him. I just can't get it out of my mind. It was really horrible."

Of the rape in Queensbury Mews, she said: "I have thought, 'My God, that could have been me'."

Police say they have had a "tremendous" response from public appeals and new information was still pouring in last night to the Operation Tank incident room at Brighton police station (01273 665877 or 665894).

Attacks have occurred in Montpelier Terrace, Atlingworth Street, Brunswick Street West, Clarence Square, Brighton Marina, Black Lion Street, Queensbury Mews and Queen's Road.

Police are warning people not to approach suspects but to dial 999 immediately.