A sex attacker who was jailed for trying to rape an 87-year-old grandmother could be quizzed by police over the unsolved rape of a pensioner, six years ago.

Police have reopened the mystery Sunderland case just days after 27-year-old builder's labourer Michael Rochester was jailed for nine years for trying to rape pensioner Frances Doran.

November's attack in Grangetown, Sunderland, bears similarities to the rape of a spinster, in 1996.

The attacker, who subjected his victim to a five-hour ordeal, has so far avoided justice.

It is understood that the Forensic Science Service has been asked to re-examine evidence that was found at the scene.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Wade, of Sunderland West CID, said: "We are keeping an open mind over possible links between the attack on Mrs Doran and the Silksworth case.

"It looks unlikely at this time that Rochester was responsible for the attack in Silksworth, but we have pulled out all the files on that case and are asking experts to take another look at the evidence."

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Rochester sneaked into the great-grandmother's flat, dragged his terrified victim from her bed and tried to rape her.

The woman who was attacked in 1996 never recovered from her ordeal and died 18 months later, without seeing her attacker brought to justice.