Brighton rape case detectives praise response to Crimewatch appeal

Detectives trying to find out who raped a woman on Brighton beach received 13 calls after an appeal on the BBC TV programme Crimewatch last night (Thursday 14 February).

The calls were in response to CCTV pictures showing a man who Sussex Police said they would like to eliminate from their inquiries.

The pictures show a man near to where the 19-year-old woman was raped last September.

Detective Inspector Ian Still, who is leading the investigation, said: “This was a positive response and I really hope that some of the new lines of inquiry will help us trace the man seen in the CCTV footage.

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“Some callers put forward names which will also be investigated.

“I would like to thank everyone who called in and I hope that we will continue to receive more information over the coming days.

“This was a nasty attack which has greatly affected both the lives of the victim and her family.

“We need to find the man who did this and make sure he is put away for a very long time.”

The victim was raped on Brighton beach near the West Pier in the early hours of Friday 7 September after she became separated from her friends after a night out at a Brighton club.

The man who officers would like to speak to in order to eliminate him from their inquiries was described as in his twenties, about 5ft 7in tall, of medium build and with short dark hair.

He was last seen wearing a light-coloured t-shirt with a large motif on the front, blue jeans, trainers and a baseball cap.

Anyone who recognises the man is asked to contact Sussex Police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.