Police arrest suspect in “Peddling Pervert” case

An arrest has been made in connection to several cases of sexual assault perpetrated by a man on a bike. 

Detectives, investigating a series of sexual assaults during which women across Brighton and Hove city have been targeted, have arrested a man.

The 20-year-old Hove man was detained initially on suspicion of committing two sexual assaults on Friday (3 February) and then detained further on suspicion of committing 22 sexual assaults dating from 29 December to 30 January.

He has been questioned and released on bail until 3 March for further enquiries.

The arrest was made after a suspect was seen committing two further sexual assaults on women.

Officers want to hear from the two victims on Friday after they failed to come forward to report the incidents.

A man cycling behind a woman who was walking towards the pier smacked her bottom near the fountain at the Old Steine, Brighton at 6.45am. He then followed another woman walking in Old Steine Gardens on his bike five minutes later and smacked her bottom before cycling away.

Detective Constable Scarlet Millar said: “We would like to speak to these two women to check their welfare and obtain accounts from them. We are also keen to speak to any other potential victims who have not yet come forward or any witnesses that may have information. Contact us online https://sussex.police.uk/contact-us/response-to-appeal/ or call 101 quoting Operation Polo.”