Police are warning parents and carers to be on their guard after several attempts by a suspected woman paedophile to gain access to children by posing as a nurse and a social worker.

Nottinghamshire Police have drawn a blank despite a two-year hunt for the woman and have now joined other forces to launch a nationwide inquiry.

In the latest incident, the suspect tried to examine a baby after turning up at a house in West Bridgford near Nottingham. She fled when the mother asked for identification.

Police think the woman has carried out similar attacks across the Nottingham area over the last two years.

DC Pete Barratt, of Notts Police intelligence bureau, said: "Each of the attacks is well planned and she is clearly a clever and calculating offender."

Officers are worried about the level of knowledge she has about the children.

DC Barratt said: "We believe she obtains it by mingling with other parents in the area in the days leading up to her visit.

"We believe the motive is sexual as she tries to fool parents into allowing her to examine children."

The woman is also thought to have assaulted a pregnant woman in November 1999 on the pretext of carrying out a medical examination.

She is described as white, 5ft 10in, in her late 40s, of average build and smartly dressed. She also carries a clipboard or folder and has worn coloured wigs.

A social services spokesman said: "Social workers will have some form of identification to prove who they are. If you are in any doubt, ring your local social services department and check."

DC Barratt warned parents to be on their guard, adding: "We believe this woman is a danger to the community.

"With your help we may be able to put an end to her crimes and guarantee the continued safety of our children."

Anyone with information should call police on 0115 967 0999, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Nottinghamshire County Council social services can be contacted on 0115 982 3823, or 0115 956 0437 out of hours. The corresponding Nottingham City Council numbers are 0115 915 5500 and 0115 915 9299

Used courtesy of the Nottingham Evening Post