Sussex Police have released CCTV images of a man suspected to have been involved in a rape incident that occurred last week in Hove, and are calling for anyone who recognises him to come forward.
The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, on Thursday 20th September on Waterloo Street in Hove.
According to the victim’s statement, who is a 25-year-old woman, the suspect came up behind her as she walked along the street and tried to put his arms around her waist, told her she was pretty and offered her money in exchange for sexual favours.
The victim said no, but the suspect proceeded to rape her. The attack was only stopped when a man living near by came out of his house to ask what was going on. The suspect quickly fled the scene, walking South towards the seafront.
He has been described as white, approximately 5 ft 6, with short dark hair and was in his late twenties or early thirties. The victim stated that he seemed to Eastern European and spoke in broken English. The suspect wore a leather jacket with a yellow seam down each arm, dark blue jeans and light coloured trainers.
The CCTV video, which can been seen below, shows the man just before the attack emerging from an alley and turning left on to Waterloo Street, in order to follow his victim who has just passed by the CCTV camera.
According to Sussex police, the victim is being supported by specially trained officers following the attack and has access to counselling and support.
The officer leading the investigation, Detective Sergeant Paul Hitchcock, has released a statement on the incident and subsequent investigation. He said:
“If you were in the Waterloo Street area early on Thursday morning and saw what happened, or if you think you recognise this man, please get in touch with us right away by calling 101, or online, quoting Operation Pennine.
“This is an isolated incident for the area and not part of any series, but we need to find this man as soon as possible, so please contact us if you can help.”