A SERIAL sex predator wanted for accosting boys and young men in Clacton could be responsible for up to up to 20 attacks.

Detectives believe the man could have committed 18 offences in Clacton and two in Colchester over the past four years.

Police launched a manhunt in October after six people were attacked across Clacton.

Det Insp Leighton Hammett, of Clacton CID, said there have been no incidents since October 26, but that officers have carried out a thorough review of any similar incidents over the last four years.

“A total of 20 offences could all be linked,” he said.

"I am particularly interested in these offences in Colchester as the victims gave a good description of the suspect and also provided details of a very distinctive jacket he was wearing."

A man indecently exposed himself to a 14-year-old boy while he was on his paper round in Longridge, Colchester, on August 25 at 8.30am.

He is described as a white man, aged 40 to 60, with brown receding hair, 6ft tall, of stocky build, wearing black trousers and a red Columbia ski jacket.

The next day another 14-year-old boy on his paper round was approached by a man in Bromley Road, Elmstead Market, at 9.20am.

The suspect indecently exposed himself again.

Mr Hammett said: "He was wearing a red Columbia ski jacket with a grey zip and smart black trousers and shoes.

"Both these offences took place in the height of summer and the jacket would have looked out of place.”

An e-fit of the offender was issued by police following the attacks in Clacton.

Anyone with information should contact Clacton CID on 101.

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