THIS is the freckled cycling sex pest being hunted by York detectives.

The ginger-haired teenager is wanted for a string of indecent assaults against women in the Tadcaster Road area of York since September.

York Police spokesman Colin Ventress said seven incidents had taken place, in which the youth is believed to have cycled up to his victims and made a lewd remark before attempting to grope them.

The ages of the women have ranged from 17 to the mid-30s.

Mr Ventress said the most serious incident involved the youngest victim. The attacker allegedly tried to force his hand down her trousers as she walked along the street.

Detectives have now released this distinctive e-fit in the hope of catching him. He is described as white, aged about 15 years, 5ft 5in tall, of stocky build with ginger hair and freckles. He was seen wearing a white tracksuit.

Anyone with information should phone police on 0845 60 60 247.

Police said three separate sex attacks of a very similar nature, involving a cyclist of the suspect's description, took place on September 26. Two of the assaults took place along Tadcaster Road and the third in the grounds of Askham Bar Tesco.

Two further attacks were made on women on September 27 in Moor Lane and Chaloners Road, and another took place in Newton Terrace on October 7.

The last assault of this nature took place in the grounds of York College in Tadcaster Road on November 8.

Detective Constable Jo Wragg, of York CID, who is investigating the case, said the attacks had left the victims shocked and distressed.

"Some of the assaults have been more serious than others," she said.

"It's a big concern that there is someone out there doing this.

"We would urge the public to come forward with any information."

Updated: 10:08 Friday, November 18, 2005