DETECTIVES want to snare the York "hoodie" rapist before he can strike again.

Detective Constable Craig Wilson, a member of the investigation team, said officers believed they have a good chance of catching him very soon.

He said the young woman victim was confident that the computer e-fit of her attacker was an "excellent" likeness.

He said: "We want to get this person before he has the opportunity to do anything again and for the protection of people in the area.

"Obviously we would rather speak to him sooner rather than later."

Officers were continuing their inquiries today into the attack in St Oswald's Churchyard, in Fulford Road, Fulford.

Police said the woman victim, aged in her 20s, was recovering from her ordeal, but remained "extremely upset".

The attack occurred as the woman walked along Fulford Road in the direction of York city centre on Sunday at about 3.45am.

She was grabbed from behind by the man and subjected to what police described as a serious sexual.

The Evening Press has since issued posters bearing the e-fit artist's impression of the man being hunted.

Det Con Wilson said: "The woman is confident that the e-fit is a very good likeness and we hope that someone will recognise this man.

"It's unusual for anything like this to happen in this area. It's a very serious incident and there are numerous and ongoing inquiries.

"But we urgently require the public to help us. If there was anyone in the Fulford Road or Main Street area between 3am and 4.30am we would ask them to come forward.

"Furthermore, if anyone knows or suspects who the offender may be, they must contact the police as soon as possible. Any information will be treated in confidence."

Members of the congregation at St Oswald's Church will pray for the victim at their Sunday service tomorrow.

The Reverend David Goodhew, whose vicarage is opposite the church grounds, said he was "shocked" by the attack.

Police officers have conducted house-to-house inquiries along the length of Main Street which becomes Fulford Road at the junction of Broadway.

They have asked businesses, including several pubs, a hotel and a nearby doctor's surgery, if they have any CCTV footage from that night. Police believe someone may remember seeing the victim who was wearing distinctive teddy bear pyjama bottoms, a black T-shirt and training shoes.

The rapist is described as white, aged between 20 and 25, about 6ft tall with short dark hair, shaved at the back. He was clean shaven and well built. He had dark eyes and clear skin. His nose looked as if it had been broken at some time.

He was wearing black trousers and a black hoodie with a T-shirt underneath. Anyone with information should phone York Police on 0845 6060247.

'I was raped on cycle path'

A WOMAN who spoke out about being raped in broad daylight on a York cycle path has sent her "heartfelt thoughts" to the victim of the Fulford attack.

The mother-of-two reported being raped on the path between Wigginton Road and Haxby Road on July 18, and said that news of another sex attack in the city had "knocked her for six".

Police have warned women to take steps to prevent themselves being vulnerable to attack, such as using vehicle transport to get home in the early hours.

The woman who reported the previous attack, who is still struggling to cope after her ordeal five weeks ago, said she felt physically sick when she read the story in yesterday's Evening Press, and immediately contacted her victim support worker.

"I am really upset," she said, adding that she felt "very angry" that her attacker had not yet been caught.

Updated: 09:25 Saturday, August 27, 2005