A MASKED sex attacker, who started a reign of terror a year ago by assaulting women in their homes, is still at large.

More than 12 months ago, women in Thornaby, Teesside, were warned about a heavily-built man entering homes and assaulting sleeping victims.

Police urged women to keep windows and doors shut after the man struck four times last year. At the end of the year, a man saved his girlfriend from a masked prowler in the garden of his Thornaby home.

The first attack happened outdoors, in Eltham Crescent, on February 4.

This was followed by attacks in homes, at Malton Close and Northallerton Road, on February 20. The last assault was in Mansfield Avenue, on March 19.

After the first attacks police feared that the man was getting more confident and could eventually rape someone or become more violent, but he has still not been found.

Yesterday a police spokeswoman said: "The investigation is continuing, but there has been no breakthrough."

The attacker is described as in his late twenties to late thirties, 5ft 6in to 5ft 10in, with close-shaven hair, possibly balding. He is powerfully built and looked as though he worked out. He was wearing a black doorman-style bomber jacket, dark trousers and white trainers.

Anyone with information should contact the incident room on (01642) 302388 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.