On October 23, between 10.10am and 10.20am, it was reported that the victim was walking in Hawthorn Road when a man on an electric scooter appeared behind her.

The man was reported to have made inappropriate sexual comments towards the victim as she walked in the direction of Hampshire Avenue along Collyer Avenue.

A short while later at the junction of Gravits Lane and Hampshire Avenue, the man sexually assaulted the victim.

The suspect is described as around 18 or 19-years-old, 5’8″, with brown eyes and wearing a black puffa jacket with Hoodrich in large white writing on the back. He also wore white gloves.

As enquiries around the report continue, we would like to speak to the man seen on CCTV.

Police Constable Jack Amos said,
“This is a deeply concerning report, and we are taking it extremely seriously. All available lines of enquiry are being actively pursued to identify and locate a suspect.

“Sussex Police are committed to combating violence against women and girls (VAWG), and encourage victims to report incidents of unwanted behaviour and sexual assault.

“Reports will always be treated with the utmost sensitivity and investigated thoroughly, with support from specialist officers throughout the process.”

If you have any information that could assist our investigation, contact police online or call 101, quoting reference 493 of 23/10.