The detective who investigated HIV attacker Mohammed Dica has said there may well be more victims yet to come forward.

Speaking after the trial yesterday, where Dica, 38, was found guilty of deliberately infecting two women with the virus which leads to AIDS, Detective Sergeant Jo Goodall said the Somali refugee may have infected other people.

Dica maintained his innocence in court, saying he had always told his lovers of his condition.

But prosecution lawyers said he had taken a 'reckless gamble' with the lives of the women he infected between 1997 and 2000.

DS Goodall said: "Today's verdict means those who are not prepared to take responsibility for themselves, and who continue to recklessly infect sexual partners with this life threatening disease, will in future face prosecution in the criminal courts.

"I hope that the outcome of this case will encourage other victims to come forward, especially since it may well be that there are other victims of this man."

One of the victims released a statement following Dica's conviction. The woman, who has been referred to by police as 'Deborah' said: "This has been a tragic part of my life.

"Not only did I find out that I had contracted HIV but also discovered that the person who gave it to me, whom I trusted and loved, had been infected for five years and devastated my life and the life of another woman with intent."

Sentencing has been deferred until next month.