‘Brutal’ sex attack on teenager at Rustington

POLICE are investigating a “brutal” attack on a young woman in an alleyway at Rustington last night (Thursday, October 14).

The 19-year-old victim was walking down the alleyway just south of Sheepfold Avenue, towards Station Road, when a man on a pedal cycle approached her and then indecently assaulted her, before punching her to the ground.

It happened just after 10pm, and officers want to hear from anyone who was in the Station Road area at around that time.

Det Sgt Ruth Eady said: “The victim suffered a brutal and completely unprovoked attack. We are carrying out extensive enquiries in the area and appeal to anyone who was in the location between 9.45pm and 10.15pm to come forward.”

The suspect is thought to be in his 20s and was wearing a yellow high visibility vest with silver luminous stripes on the front. He was riding a mountain bike.

The woman was taken to Worthing Hospital for treatment. She was discharged a few hours later.

Anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen something is asked to contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999, quoting serial 1785 of October 14.