This is the man police are hunting in connection with at least nine knife attacks in Brighton and Hove.

Police issued this CD fit today in the hope witnesses will come forward.

They warned the man should not be approached and anyone spotting him should call 999.

His victims, mainly women, have been threatened, robbed and in some cases bundled along the road in possible kidnap attempts.

All have escaped, either by struggling or with the help from members of the public.

In one incident in Brighton, a 66-year-old man was stabbed in the back and slashed across the face with a craft knife. He needed more than 20 stitches.

The attacks started on October 30 and one similar assault on Saturday could bring the total number to ten.

A middle-aged woman victim was grabbed in Church Street, Brighton, at 3.30pm on Saturday, but the offender ran off when she screamed.

Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Moore said: "This particular offender had a shaven head, which does not fit other descriptions but we are keeping an open mind as to whether this attack is connected."

During one attack last Monday, in Queensbury Mews, Brighton, the offender was thought to have left behind a distinctive bobble hat, which police put on show today.

The man police are seeking is dark skinned, between 5ft 2in and 5ft 4in, slim, with swept-back dark hair.

Mr Moore said: "I am appealing for anyone who recognises the man in this picture to come forward."

Last week's press appeal prompted two witnesses to come forward and another women victim to contact police.

Witnesses or anyone with information should contact Operation Tank's incident room at Brighton Police station on 0843 60 70 999.