Detectives have warned women to remain vigilant as they scale down the hunt for a masked attacker who carried out three assaults in a Keighley park.

But the team pursuing the man - who struck in a three-week period during December and early January in the Lund Park area of the town - has stressed the investigation is not closed.

Meanwhile two of his victims today revealed they are seeking compensation for their injuries.

Detective Chief Superintendent Brian Taylor, who is leading 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 Lund Park attacker's first victim, 23-year-old Jenny Harper, who needed 23 stitches in a head wound and suffered broken fingers on both hands, 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 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 assaulted as she opened the door to her terraced home in Keighley. Her attacker smashed her over the head, chased her into the house and only fled when he was disturbed by her 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 wound 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."

She said she was still on edge about going out alone 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 and her terrified screams scared him off.

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

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