Photofit of Athlone attacker

Gardaí last night issued a new photofit picture of a man they believe carried out three violent assaults in Athlone.

Gardaí last night issued a new photofit picture of a man they believe carried out three violent assaults in Athlone.

Last night's Crimelineprogramme carried the new photofit picture of the man who struck three times at Bonavalley Bridge, less than a mile from the town centre.

The new image is an improvement on the earlier one and gardaí hope it will help to identify the man.

Although they have not formally stated that they are seeking the same man for all three late-night attacks, sources say they believe they are looking for just one attacker. The attacks took place on lone females in August, September and earlier this month.

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Crimestoppers have offered a reward of €10,000 leading to the capture of the man who is believed to be about 6ft tall, with short black hair, and aged between 25 and 30 years.

In all three cases, a lone male attacked a lone female and pulled the victim into an area of undergrowth where the violent assaults took place.

Anyone with information can also contact Athlone Garda station on 0906 498550.