DETECTIVES hunting a sex attacker who is believed to have raped a girl from Ashford have taken DNA samples from more than 3,000 men in one of the biggest forensic operations ever carried out in Britain.

A report in The Mail on Sunday said the trophy rapist, who gets his name from his habit of taking something from the victims, such as a mobile phone or piece of clothing, is believed to have attacked nine girls and women aged between 10-52 since November 15 last year.

Samples of his DNA were found at two of the crime scenes and detectives from five police forces, including Kent, have launched Operation Orb, the largest investigation of its kind since the search for the Yorkshire Ripper.

Police are visiting the homes of men and asking for a swab from their mouths. The samples are then checked for a DNA match. The men who have had samples taken have been identified by people as fitting the rapist's description or have sex crime convictions.

Det Ch Insp Colin Murray, of Kent Police, said: "We have taken swabs from well in excess of 3,000 men and will be taking more as the investigation continues."

A new E-fit of the rapist was released last week. He is described as aged between 30-50, with a strong north east accent. He has short dark hair, greying at the sides and tanned leathery skin. His victims say he smells of cigarettes and alcohol.

He is not bound by normal working hours and is able to travel freely in the south east during the week.

Anyone with information should call the police on 0845 601 8109.