DETECTIVES hunting the Eastleigh serial attacker were today following up calls received from the public following the Daily Echo story.

Two women were attacked on the same footpath between Shakepeare Road and Parham Drive at the town's Boyatt Wood Estate.

Police believe the man responsible for the attacks either lives or works on the estate.

Yesterday, through the Daily Echo, detectives appealed to anyone who recognised the artist's impression of the wanted man - published on our front page - to pick up a phone.

Today an Eastleigh CID spokesman said there had been a response following the Daily Echo reports of the double attack.

He said: "We have received calls from the public and these are being followed up."

Inquiries are continuing in the area and people using the path are being urged to remain vigilant while the attacker is still at large.

They are also being advised to follow the guidelines of the Be Safe, Be Sensible campaign, launched by the Daily Echo in conjunction with Hampshire police.

Guidelines include not walking home alone, sticking to well-lit main roads, carrying a personal alarm, being picked up by a friend or trusted taxi and not ignoring your instincts.

At Crestwood School where Daily Echo Be Safe posters are on display, pupils have been advised to walk home in pairs.

The first attack was last Friday when a 17-year-old student fought off a man who grabbed her from behind.

On Monday the fiend struck again when a 32-year-old woman escaped unharmed after the man grabbed her from behind and placed his hands over her face.

Detectives, who are linking both incidents, are concerned about the motive for the daylight attacks and have appealed for help to find the assailant.