Knifeman hunted after second sex attack at Sussex University campus

A man sexually assaulted a teenager at knifepoint on Sussex University’s Falmer campus last week.

The victim suffered and scratches and bruises during the attack in the early hours of last Wednesday (15 February).

The details emerged this afternoon (Tuesday 21 February) after a second sex attacker struck in the early hours of this morning.

Detectives do not believe that the two attacks were carried out by the same man.

Sussex Police said in a statement: “A 20-year-old woman has said she was sexually assaulted by a man when she was walking on the university campus in the early hours of this morning.

“Detectives are also investigating another allegation of sexual assault on the university campus in the early hours of Wednesday 15 February.

“At around 5.15am a woman in her late teens reported being assaulted while walking through the campus.

“The victim said the man also threatened her with a knife and sexually assaulted her.”

Detective Inspector Ian Still, of Brighton and Hove CID, said: “Sussex Police has been working closely with Sussex University to establish the circumstances surrounding these two reported assaults.

“Following the reported sexual assault last week warnings and advice were issued to all students who live in the vicinity and published on the university website and staff at the university about how to keep safe while walking alone at night and services offered to students to assist them in getting home safely.

“I would encourage anyone who is walking alone on the campus at night to be vigilant and aware and use the services offered by the university if you are worried.

“Although there are similarities with the both incidents at this stage we do not believe they are linked.

“The investigation into the reported sexual assault in the early hours of this morning is in its early stages and the circumstances are still being established.”

Anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious about the time of either incident is urged to call Sussex Police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.