POLICE were last night hunting a man claiming to be a paedophile who has made a series of sickening phone calls to women.

The man, who is said to be softly-spoken, rang women in the Darlington area and asked them if there were any young children living with them.

He then went on to claim he was a paedophile and proceeded to describe his sick fantasies.

The man made the calls between 8.30am and 10am yesterday, to four women living in different areas of the town.

One of the victims, who lives in the Bank Top area, said the caller had claimed he wanted to "dress up" the children.

She received a telephone call at about 9am from the man who asked if there were children at home.

The caller then made suggestive comments before hanging up.

Police said last night it was possible that other people may have had similar calls, but had not reported the incident to the police.

A Durham Constabulary spokesman said it appeared the calls had been made at random.

None of the women recognised the caller's voice, but he is said to speak with a local accent.

The spokesman said: "These calls seem to be random, but clearly it has been quite unsettling for the women who were contacted.

"If anyone else has had a similar experience, but has not reported it to the police, get in touch."

The telephone numbers of two of the women who were contacted are ex-directory.

On each occasion the man withheld his number so the women could not retrieve his telephone number by dialling 1471.

Anyone with information is asked to call Darlington police, on (01325) 467681.