THE long-running police hunt for one of Hampshire's most wanted men has been wound down, the Daily Echo can reveal.

Detectives have been desperate to capture the Farley Mount rapist since he first struck more than 14 years ago.

Now the inquiry is being put on hold after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) stated that no charges can be brought against the chief suspect for the Farley Mount sex attacks.

Between 1991 and 1998 a masked attacker brandishing a handgun targeted courting couples in parked cars at the lovers' lane beauty spot near Winchester.

A local man in his 40s was arrested in 2002 and questioned in connection with five sex attacks and released on police bail.

A report was compiled and sent to the CPS but it has now told police there was insufficient likelihood of a successful prosecution.

Det Sgt John Gunner worked on the case codenamed Operation Kayak.

He said: "It is all very disappointing. The CPS has told us we have insufficient evidence to prosecute. He has been told no action is to be taken against him. The inquiry is being put to bed. That is it.

"The CPS is satisfied that the Major crime Unit has done all it can. The victims too that we are still in contact with are satisfied. I was satisfied we had enough but have to accept the CPS decision.

"The inquiry has been put on hold unless new evidence comes to light. I'm extremely disappointed. It is difficult to put into words that the inquiry has reached a dead end."

Det Sgt Gunner said it was now seven years since the last attack. "I would like to think it has been the police activity and media interest that has caused the offender to stay clear and not reoffend."

The most serious incident was on November 3 1992 when the attacker forced his way into a couple's car. He subdued the man and gagged and blindfolded the young woman. He carried her to his vehicle, driving her to an unknown location, but believed to be in the Cheriton area, where he raped her.

The case had been reactivated in spring 2001 when fresh information came to light about a green, short-wheel base, Series 3 Land Rover seen near the scene of the crime.

It had a canvas cover and drop down tailgate and an old-style S-registration number plate. The other attacks were:

January 25 1991: a girl was tied up with a seatbelt and seriously sexually assaulted;

November 29 1994: a woman had a lucky escape after her boyfriend fought off the attacker;

April 22 1996: another woman was tied up with tape and forced into the attacker's vehicle. She was cut free after he indecently assaulted her;

May 28 1998: a couple escaped when the attacker tried to open their car door. The doors were locked and the couple drove off.

In each attack, the attacker used a Beretta-style handgun and in the 1992 assault wore an olive green Italian-style Army jacket.

The attacker is forensically aware and ensures all items he brings are taken away.