Girl suffers 'appalling' attack

A 16-year-old girl has been raped in an 'appalling' attack in Hastings.

Sussex Police said the teenager was walking up Priory Road near the junction of Plynlimmon Road when she was approached from behind by a man.

He took her to a grassed area on West Hill where he then raped her, police said.

Detective Inspector Trevor Bowles said: "This was an appalling attack on an innocent young woman who had been enjoying an evening out."

Black leather jacket

Police said the offender released the girl and she went home in a taxi.

But before she left the scene of the attack, which happened in the early hours of Sunday morning, the girl was approached by a man aged between 38 and 45 years old, police said.

Det Insp Bowles said: "I need to trace this man who spoke with the victim shortly after the offence.

"I would ask that this person come forward in order that we can establish if he heard or saw anything that may assist is with this inquiry."

The man detectives want to speak to is described as being about 5 ft 10 in tall and with dark hair over his collar at the back.

He was wearing a black leather jacket and blue jeans and had a small torch with him.

He is thought to have had either a dark red or maroon car which is thought to be a saloon.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police.