A £10,000 reward has been offered for information about a sexual assault suspect from a crime committed over 20 years ago.

Hertfordshire police have never closed a case involving two sexual assaults in 2002.

Officers now suspect a third attempted abduction was committed by the same man.

Watford Observer: Have you seen this man?Have you seen this man? (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

Three witnesses for the incidents are still being sought.

Independent charity Crimestoppers has now increased its offer for anonymous information to £10,000.

BBC One's Crimewatch Live will also be running an appeal at 10am today (Wednesday, March 8).

Incident 1: Piggotshill Lane

During the first incident - on April 7, 2002 - a 16-year-old girl had been walking along Piggottshill Lane when a man grabbed her.

She was then dragged into a nearby field, before being sexually assaulted and forced to perform sexual acts.

It is believed the offender used a silver Vauxhall Astra with a C or D registration.

Speaking of this incident, DI Justine Jenkins said: "We are still really keen to trace a man and a young boy, aged about nine or 10 years at the time, who may have been carrying fishing rods.

"They would have seen the victim in Piggottshill Lane on her way to her friend’s house between 4pm and 4.30pm and could have seen a silver vehicle.

"If this was you, please do get in touch. Any information you have could help us catch this man.”

Incident 2: Wheathampstead Road

The second incident took place two months after the first, when a 17-year-old girl had been walking along Wheathampstead Road.

At that time (around 7pm on June 19, 2002), a man forced the girl into a small red car - believed to be an 'M' registration - and drove down Piggottshill Lane.

She was then taken into a wood, sexually assaulted and forced to perform sexual acts.

According to Hertfordshire police, the offender wore shiny blue tracksuit bottoms with red piping down the side.

DI Jenkins added: "We know a man on a bicycle cycled past the small red car parked in Piggottshill Lane and we are also keen to trace him.

"Was this you? Your information could be crucial to helping us solve these serious sexual assaults.

"We have forensically linked the two offences from DNA evidence, but he is not on our database – so all we need is a name.”

The victim, now aged in her 30s, reflected on the incident: "Despite how I thought I felt, looking back, I was on a path of self-destruction that lasted seven to eight years.

"I became a master at disguising how I felt inside and was able to put a front on, even though internally I was completely broken.

"I’d binge drink, self-harm, push people away when they were getting too close. I hated myself and those around me.

“I’d love to say it has no effect at all, but deep down it’s always there - like a black cloud hanging over me.

"I’m definitely more guarded and untrusting of people. I made the decision to move away, the town where I grew up had too many unhappy memories for me.

“I never want that moment in my life to define me, even though it does. I was forced to grow up.

“Now 21 years later, my life has changed beyond what I could ever have imagined.

"I face new struggles daily, bringing up children with the violent act I have endured is not easy.

"Ensuring they are protected without smothering them is impossible. I question everything and ask my husband constantly for reassurance on whether my thoughts are normal because of what I have been subjected to.

“I still have episodes of self harm, and self loathing, albeit rare. It has made me build a wall around myself and my family and no-one is allowed to enter.”

Incident 3: High Firs Crescent and Greenway

The third incident took place in the High Firs Crescent and Greenway area, on March 17, 2004.

Just after 6pm, a 12-year-old was walking down Greenway when she was grabbed from behind and dragged into a public footpath, known locally as "the Spinney".

The man, who was carrying a knife, threatened and restrained the girl, before a woman intervened.

The suspect then made his escape on foot, before a silver car was seen to "speed off" from Greenway.

DI Jenkins added: "Although the offences happened such a long time ago – 19 and 21 years ago, the impact of these crimes has had a lasting and devastating impact on these women and they have never had closure on their terrifying ordeals.

“Following extensive enquiries at the time, we have never closed this case – and have been working with forensic specialists as well as Crimestoppers and Crimewatch Live as we remain determined to find this man and find justice for these women.”

According to Hertfordshire police, the suspect for these three crimes is described as having tanned or dark skin, between 5ft 7in and 5ft 9in tall, with dark hair and aged in his late 30s.

The individual would now be in his late 50s.

The incidents featured on BBC One's Crimewatch in 2002, but will now feature again tomorrow (March 8).

Crimestoppers' South East regional manager, Annabelle Goodenough, said: "These are awful, heinous crimes which should never have happened.

"Innocent children went through terrible ordeals, and they have had to grow up without anybody facing justice for the severe harm caused to them.

"We know it can be difficult to speak up about someone you suspect may be involved in a serious crime, especially if they are close to you.

"This is why our charity is here to help.”

Lastly, DI Jenkins added: "Were you living or working in Harpenden at that time? Are you one of the three key witnesses or did you witness something suspicious that’s stayed on your mind since?

"Any information you have, no matter how small it might seem, could help us get the breakthrough we need.

“I would also like the public to take another look at the e-fit. Did you know someone who looked like this 20 years ago?

“We are keeping an open mind and due to the fact that he was driving a car, it’s possible that he was not local to Harpenden.

"Do you know someone who had access to both a red and silver vehicle? Any information you can give us is just as important now as it was then.

"Do not hesitate to get in contact if you think you can help. If you contact the charity Crimestoppers directly, you could be eligible for a reward.”

Only information passed directly to the Crimestoppers charity will result in a reward.

Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Information can also be reported online via the following link: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/35SA020112H12-PO1

Information can also be reported at herts.police.uk/report or by calling non-emergency number 101.