DETECTIVES hunting a man who carried out a sickening attack on an Ipswich woman in her own home today received a major boost.

As officers stepped up their manhunt, Ipswich online car insurance experts, Tiger.co.uk, stepped in to join The Evening Star with a �1,000 reward.

The money will be given to the person who gives information leading to the arrest and conviction of the attacker, who left his Chantry victim “completely devastated.”

Today, officers welcome the reward and urged anyone with information to come forward.

The offender will have scratch marks to his face and arms after the victim tried to fight him off when he carried out the attack at her Robin Drive.

It is believed he may have been bitten on the arm.

Although his victim has received a great deal of support from her family and help from specially-trained police officers, she is said to be badly traumatised.

Detectives said the man who carried out the “serious sexual assault” is white, in his mid-40s, of average build, approximately 5ft 5in tall, and smelled of alcohol.

He was also wearing a navy blue fleece and similarly coloured trousers.

Managing Director of Tiger.co.uk. Graeme Kalbraier, said: “We are happy to offer this reward and to join The Evening Star in this attempt to bring the attacker to justice.

“We are a major employer in Ipswich and everyone in the Tiger team wants this despicable offender caught as soon as possible. “We joined with The Evening Star’s initiative as soon as we heard a reward might well be the vital turning point in the

inquiry.”

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Bennett, said: “Although we’ve had a fantastic response from the Ipswich community so far, we need that extra effort from them to help us identify, and then arrest this man, as soon as possible.

“We are continuing to work on several leads and look through the forensic evidence we have recovered, but we do need to push the public for that additional assistance we need to get this attacker.

“He would have returned home with fresh scratch marks to his face, arms or hands.

“We would appeal to anyone who knows of someone fitting this description to contact us immediately.

“The woman is far from coming to terms with the assault and she is completely devastated.

“Thankfully, her family are rallying around her and giving her tremendous support, just as we are.”

Police were alerted to the attack shortly after 9.30pm on Sunday. It is believed the offender entered the woman’s home through an unlocked back door.

The woman is now staying with relatives as she recovers from her ordeal.

She is also receiving support from staff at Suffolk’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).

Anyone with information in connection with this attack is urged to contact detectives at Ipswich police station on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.