POLICE investigating the rape of a prostitute have obtained a DNA profile of the suspect, but they still need the public's help to identify him.

The scientific evidence has failed to return a match on the police database.

But detectives say the net is tightening on the man who attacked a vice girl in Groundwell industrial estate on February 18.

They believe he may have struck before and are appealing for anyone who recognises his description to come forward.

The 26-year-old prostitute was raped in the suspect's dark-coloured T-reg Mitsubishi car at about 10.30pm, after she had tried to get away when he became aggressive.

She later managed to escape and alert the police.

The man, who was wearing a striped jumper, is described as white and in his 40s. He was 6ft and bald with bushy eyebrows.

Acting Det Sgt Corin Dennison said: "The woman is still traumatised by the attack and we are still actively supporting her.

"She has done her bit in coming to us and reporting the incident. Now we hope the public will do the same.

"We believe the individual is known and there could be other victims out there. We are seeking to appeal to any person, who is a sex worker or not, to help with our investigation.

"The identities of those that come forward and give information will be kept confidential.

"We encourage names to be passed on to us and we can then eliminate them very quickly from our inquiries.

"Someone could have seen this girl being picked up in Fleming Way or where the attack took place. We are keeping an open mind on whether this man is from Swindon."

Another 23-year-old prostitute told the Advertiser she had been raped before Christmas by someone matching the exact description of the industrial estate attacker.

But she had not reported it to the police in case they prosecuted her for working on the streets.

Any information about the attack should be passed to the police by calling 0845 408 7000.

Alternatively, ring the Crimestoppers line anonymously on 0800 555 111.