Brighton: Police Appealing For Witnesses

2 December 2013, 15:35 | Updated: 2 December 2013, 15:40

Police are appealing for witnesses after a teenager was forced into a flat and raped in Brighton.

The 19-year-old had been on a night out when she was approached by a man between Coalition and Oceana in Kings Road.

The man began talking to the woman as they walked west towards Hove but 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.

The attacker was of Middle Eastern descent, stocky and between 30 and 40 with short dark hair. He was wearing a black t-shirt and three-quarter length trousers with dark shoes.

CCTV footage recorded in the area shows a man that officers would like to speak to.

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 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 should call 101 quoting serial 240 of 24/8, email contact.centre@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.