POLICE hunting a rapist who tricked his way into his victim's home have spoken to her neighbours.

The attacker pretended to be a central heating engineer in order to trick his way into his victim's home in Hartlepool, on Wednesday afternoon.

The woman unwittingly let her attacker into the house and, once inside, he threatened her, then punched her in the face, before raping her.

Yesterday, police conducted door-to-door inquiries in the Alwick Road and York Road area of the town to try to find out more about the attack, which happened at about 3pm.

Detectives said they were checking information received from members of the public.

The 36-year-old victim, who is still distressed by the attack, suffered some swelling and bruising to her face.

She did not hear a car, and police do not yet know if the rapist escaped on foot or in what direction he fled.

Detectives fear the rapist will attack again and said last night they are eager to track him down. He is described as in his early 30s, about 5ft 6in, chubby with a local accent.

He was unshaven with close-cropped black, straight hair, blue eyes and thick eyebrows.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call (01642) 302129