The hunt for the masked attacker who assaulted three women in a Keighley park is being wound down.

But detectives searching for the man who struck in a three-week period in December and early January in the Lund Park area of the town, have not closed the investigation.

Det Chief Supt Brian Taylor, who leads the inquiry, said: "All the lines of inquiry have been completed. The investigation is being wound down, but not closed.

"After all the work we have done, this man is still out there and while he is at liberty, he represents a danger to the public.

"We don't want people to lose sight of that fact and urge them to take common sense precautions. Even though the nights are getting lighter, people, especially women, should remain vigilant."

The attacker's first victim, 23 year-old Jenny Harper, who needed 23 stitches in a head wound and suffered broken fingers on both hands, is seeking criminal injuries compensation.

She has just returned to her hairdressing job in Bradford.

"My left hand is all right, but my ring finger on my right hand is still bent and hurts. I can't flex it," she said.

She had been informed by detectives that the inquiry was being wound down. "I understand why because they have followed up every line. But I am disappointed that whoever did it to me is still out there."

Jenny was attacked as she opened the door to her terrace home in Keighley by a man who smashed her over the head, chased her into the house and only fled when he was disturbed by Jenny's lodger.

He struck again five days later on December 16, pouncing on mother of four Elaine Marsh, 33, who lives in the Lund Park area. She was crossing the park, returning to her job at a Keighley accountants, when the man struck. She was only 500 yards from home.

She suffered a head would which needed stitches, a burst eardrum and fractured thumb.

Mrs Marsh, who is also seeking criminal injuries compensation, said: "It's upsetting they haven't got anybody yet, but the police have done an excellent job - they couldn't have been better.

"Not only did they keep us informed about the inquiry, but they have also shown concern about our well-being," added Mrs Marsh.

She said she was still on edge about going out alone and kept an eye over her shoulder, but she was feeling more confident and was preparing to return to work in a fortnight.

The man made his third attack on January 4, striking a 29-year-old women as she walked along Kensington Street in the same area.

He grabbed her long hair and smashed her head against the pavement. Her terrified screams scared him off.

l Anyone who has information about the incidents should telephone Keighley police on 01535 617106.

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