Global manhunt underway for Aussie rapist

A global manhunt is underway for a serial rapist believed to have committed 27 sexual assaults in Australia 15-years ago.

Australian authorities on Monday made the unusual step of releasing two images of a man believed responsible for the rapes in Sydney's eastern suburbs between 1985 and 2001 after reviewing "cold cases" that were linked via DNA evidence.

That evidence has been sent to other jurisdictions, including to international law enforcement, however, no match has yet been found.

"We have now reached the point where we're seeking help from the public,"New South Wales state police sex crimes detective, acting superintendent Mick Haddow, told reporters in Sydney on Monday.

While the man's appearance has changed over time, authorities believe he would now be aged between 45 and 64 years, between 160 and 180 centimetres tall, with a dark complexion, brown eyes and a broad nose.

It's believed the suspected targeted women aged between 14 and 55 years old with a knife in a "blitz" style attack across famous Sydney suburbs of Bondi, Coogee, Bronte, Randwick and in Centennial Park. Some were in their homes, others along the famous Bondi to Bronte coastal walk.

Authorities believe no other rapes have been committed by the suspect since 2001, but are reminding the public to stay vigilant.

"If at any time you feel unsafe or unsure of your surroundings, please seek assistance, and if you have been a victim of crime, contact police immediately," Haddow said. Endit