POLICE say they are delighted with the public's response to a plea to catch a serial sex offender.

Yesterday, The Northern Echo reported how Tony Walker, of Stirling Way, Thornaby, on Teesside, saved his girlfriend from a masked prowler who police believe is responsible for a number of sex attacks on women in the Thornaby area.

Police say they received up to 20 calls as a result of the publicity and Detective Inspector Stewart Swinson, who is heading the inquiry, said: "The calls are still coming in and have given us several lines of inquiry to follow up.

"We need this man caught and any information, no matter how insignificant they may feel it is, could prove useful."

Anyone with information should call (01642) 302388.