A rapist who fled to Denmark in the 1980s after subjecting two young girls to a series of horrific sexual attacks has been jailed for 18 years.

Peter Knight, 72, formerly of Randers, Denmark, is now behind bars after being convicted of rape of a female under 16, attempted rape, indecent assault, and gross indecency.

He abused the two girls while working as a milkman in the early 1980s.

Harrow Crown Court heard that Knight was a "trusted family friend" referred to by his victims at "Uncle Peter".

One of the girls was abused at Knight's home in Edgware while he would visit the other girl at her family home in Hertfordshire.

The court heard he would opportunistically abuse the second girl as he tucked her into bed.

The elder victim had a part-time job assisting Knight with his milk round.

Each time, he would warn the victims not to tell anyone or speak about what had happened.

But in December 1985, one of his victims told their mother that Knight had 'done something naughty' to her - Knight's other victim confessed to being abused by him too.

Police were contacted and an investigation was launched but Knight had fled the country, telling work colleagues he was 'in trouble'.

Enquiries to trace Knight were unsuccessful and the investigation was subsequently closed.

The case was reopened in January 2016 after the two victims fully disclosed what Knight had done to them and the suspect was traced to Denmark.

Knight was arrested at his home in Denmark in November 2017 and extradited back to the UK a year later.

At Harrow Crown Court on August 30, he was jailed for 18 years.

Detective Constable Rob Arrowsmith who led the investigation said: “Investigations such as these are an example that no matter how much time has passed, sexual offenders can and will be brought to justice.

"I applaud and thank the victims for their courage;

"Knight was a coward who quickly fled when he realised police had been informed. He probably thought that he would never pay for his crimes but he will now spend many years in prison, where he belongs.

"All victims of sexual abuse should look at this sentencing and be encouraged to contact the Metropolitan Police Service. We will listen to you, we will treat you with the utmost sensitivity, and we will do everything in our power to put any offenders behind bars."