200 calls in hunt for sleepover rapist

Police hunting a child rapist have received up to 200 calls naming possible suspects after they released an artist's impression of the man.

The girl, aged between five and 10, was raped as she slept at home in Basildon last week. Officers are now investigating the names of suspects they have received in the flood of calls in the 48 hours since the picture's release. They are also awaiting the analysis of DNA samples taken from the girl, expected back by tomorrow.

Last night they stepped up the search for clues by sealing off the entire Craylands estate where the girl lives.

Detectives believe the attacker - aged about 18, with dirty teeth, ripped jeans and a gold ring engraved with "Boyz" or "Boys" - may have been staking out the girl and her house for days and will have been seen by locals. About 40 officers

manned road blocks through the night until 6am today - questioning every one who entered or left the estate.

Superintendent Glenn Caton, deputy divisional commander of Basildon Police, said: "We are carrying out our inquiries at night because a week ago the attack happened in the hours of darkness. We are asking questions from anyone who we see either walking the streets or in cars, whether drivers or passengers."

Motorists on a dual carriageway queued for half an hour while police carried out their inquiries. The girl was sleeping in an upstairs bedroom on 23 March with another family member when she claims the man raped her.

He escaped without disturbing her mother, three siblings and two young friends who had been staying overnight.

Police have been scanning hours of CCTV footage around the estate and surrounding areas. Neighbour and motherof-five Adetutu Adeola, 40, said she and other mothers now feared for the safety of their children. "No one I know will let their children play outside any more," she said.

Anyone with information about the attack should call 01277 262220 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.