Teenager raped after being dragged into Brighton flat

A teenager raped by a stranger who dragged her into a flat as she walked towards Hove after a night out in Brighton.

The 19-year-old was approached by her attacker between Coalition and Oceana in King’s Road, Brighton.

The man started talking to the woman as they walked westward towards Hove and then pulled her into a building near Norfolk Square and forced himself on her.

The victim fled from the flat after the assault and called police.

CCTV images of the suspect have been released by Sussex Police today (Monday 2 December) although the force said that the attack happened more than three months ago.

The attacker was described as being of Middle Eastern descent, stocky, between 30 and 40 years old and with short dark hair. He was wearing a black t-shirt and threequarter-length trousers with dark shoes.

Sussex Police said: “Officers have so far been unable to identify exactly where the attack happened but the victim has described the flat as being small.

“It had white walls, a grey or cream carpet and a desk or bedside table with a train set or train figure on it.”

Detective Constable Carmelle Kemp said: “The victim has been left badly shaken by what happened and we are working hard to try to catch her attacker.

“The assault happened at about 2.15am on (Saturday) 24 August and officers have been working since then to try to confirm exactly where it took place.

“We believe the attacker used the fact that the teenager had been drinking to force her into his home and rape her.

“Although it happened several months ago, we hope someone will recognise the descriptions of the inside of the flat or the attacker and be able to tell us who was responsible.

“I would urge anyone who recognises the descriptions to contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to phone Sussex Police on 101, email contact.centre@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.