DETECTIVES hunting a serial rapist who preys on the elderly believe a fake Pierre Cardin headscarf could contain vital clues to his identity.

Officers from Operation Minstead want to speak to anyone who has information about the blue headscarf which was found at a crime scene in 1999.

DNA found on the scarf belongs to the suspect who has broken into 98 people's homes and raped four elderly women.

He has also targeted 10 men, also aged between 68 and 93, indecently assaulting one of them.

The "gerontophile" rapist strikes in areas such as Orpington, Brockley, Forest Hill, Sidcup, Beckenham and Catford, and has been linked to offences dating back to 1990.

Leading the enquiry, Detective Superintendent Simon Morgan said: "I am appealing for anyone with information regarding the headscarf that was found at the scene of a crime in Shirley, Croydon in 1999.

"If anyone recognises the scarf as belonging to someone or if anyone remembers giving the present as a gift to someone please contact detectives at the incident room."

Officers are flying back from Trinidad tonight after travelling to the West Indies to appeal for information.

They made the trip after the latest forensic science techniques revealed the man is of Carribean descent.

The detectives received a number of calls while on the island including one which has led to specific intelligence that is being investigated further.

The suspect is described as a black man, in his late-30s, 5ft 10in to 6ft 2in with a round face, broad nose and large lips.

He has a well-spoken soft voice and an athletic build.

Detectives strongly believe that he rides a motorbike as victims have described him as wearing motorcycle type clothing.

They also believe that he has knowledge of caring for the elderly due to the way in which he physically handles his victims and a religious awareness based on the fact that he once stole a set of rosary beads and declined to steal money from a church collection dish.

They also believe that he probably has some form of employment which provides a regular income as these offences would not provide enough money to support any lifestyle. He has also referred to the fact that his mother died in 2000.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at the incident room on 020 8721 4640 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.