Police hunting for a sexual predator who attacked a middle-aged woman in a city centre car park have released an e-fit of the suspect.

Detectives want to talk to the man pictured in the image, which has been issued more than two weeks after the assault on Saturday, June 28.

The victim, a woman in her 50s, had become separated from a relative when the attack happened.

She was walking through a car park near Hawk's Lane when the man pounced, some time after 10.35pm.

Police were called at 11.25pm and officers launched a manhunt before making enquiries "in a number of locations".

The victim has described her attacker as a white man, around 5ft 7ins and aged around 30.

He was clean-shaven with short or balding hair and was wearing grey trousers and a white shirt.

DCI Emma Banks said: "Kent Police takes all reports of sexual assault or abuse very seriously.

"The victim reported she was in town with a member of her family and they had become separated.

"The victim went looking for them but encountered an unknown male who she said sexually assaulted her in a car park.

"Our enquiries are now centering on a car park in the Hawk’s Lane area."

Anyone who was in the city centre at the time who could help with the investigation is asked to call police on 01227 868327, quoting crime number ZY/21477/14.

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