Woman raped in Brighton street

A woman was raped in a Brighton street as she walked to her cousin’s home.

The 27-year-old victim had only just arrived in Brighton and does not know the name of the road where the attack took place.

This afternoon (Wednesday 18 December) Sussex Police issued an efit of the man suspected of carrying out the attack.

He was described white, under 30 years old, 5ft 6in to 6ft tall, of medium build and with short dark hair.

He was wearing a dark blue hooded jumper, a dark waist-length jacket and jeans. He smelt of cigarette smoke and beer.

Detective Inspector Steve Warner, of Brighton and Hove CID, said: “The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday 15 November this year but for personal reasons the 27-year-old victim did not report it to police until some weeks later.

“However, she did attend the Saturn Centre, Crawley, later the same day where forensic samples and her clothing were secured and a full investigation is now under way.”

Detective Inspector Warner said that the victim had driven from Suffolk to Brighton to visit a cousin.

She arrived in Brighton at about 11.30pm on Thursday 14 November and parked her car in Caledonian Road.

The woman, who was unfamiliar with Brighton, decided to take a walk. She is believed to have followed a route which took her via Upper Lewes Road and The Level to Ditchling Road.

After turning into a side road of terraced two-storey houses she became aware of a man walking behind her.

She moved to let him past but he spun her round, flung her down on the pavement and raped her.

He then walked off, leaving the woman to find her way back to her car. He did not speak throughout the attack.

Detective Inspector Warner said: “The victim is not sure in which street she was attacked but we have carried out extensive house-to-house inquiries in the Ditchling Road area in an effort to find out more. Almost 500 homes have now been visited.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who thinks they may recognise the man in the efit or who has any information that may help us with our investigation.

“It is thought this was an isolated incident but clearly we want this man brought to justice as soon as possible.”

Anyone who can help is asked to phone Sussex Police on 101, email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call the independent charity Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555111.