Man sexually assaults two women in Brighton and Hove

A man sexually assaulted two women in Brighton and Hove in the early hours of Wednesday morning (17 July).

He also punched a 16-year-old girl in the face shortly before 1am near the junction of Palmeira Square, Holland Road and Western Road, Hove.

Just after 1am the man sexually assaulted a 19-year-old woman at the unction of Holland Road and Western Road.

Shortly afterwards, at about 1.15am, he sexually assaulted a second woman in Western Road, Brighton, by the junction with Marlborough Road.

Sussex Police said that officers had arrested a 47-year-old Brighton man on suspicion of sexual assault by touching and assault causing actual bodily harm (ABH).

Detectives investigating the incidents urged another young woman to come forward after they viewed CCTV footage showing her being assaulted in Western Road at about 1.05am.

The offender appears to put his arm around her and follows her along the road for a short time.

Detective Sergeant Emily Hoare, from Brighton and Hove CID, said: “Following the three incidents that were reported to police, an arrest of a suspect was quickly made.

“During the course of our inquiries we’ve identified a further victim of assault who has not yet come forward to report the offence to police.

“We would urge her to do so as soon as possible by calling 101 and assure her that she will receive the utmost compassion and sensitivity from officers.

“If anyone else thinks they may have information in relation to this series of offences, or witnessed any of them, then we would also encourage them to call police.

“Understandably, this will cause some concern in the area but we would like to reassure local people that police are undertaking extensive inquiries and are doing everything possible to ensure the person responsible is brought quickly to justice.”