A girl, 18, was raped on Brighton beach early yesterday.
She reported being attacked just after 4.30am about 150 yards east of the Palace Pier.
The victim, from Horley in Surrey, had been walking with her attacker along the seafront away from the pier but says that she did not know him.
He pulled her on to the beach and assaulted her.
The girl was able to scream and the man ran off.
The suspect is described as white, aged 19 to 21, 5ft 9in, with a thin to medium build. He was clean shaven with dark spiky hair, which is shorter at the sides, and he was wearing a blue, short-sleeved polo shirt, dark blue jeans and white trainers.
Detective Sergeant David Osland, of Sussex Police, said: “Attacks of this nature are rare but I would like to remind women to take personal safety advice and be vigilant when walking alone, especially at night.
“For your own safety, ensure you never find yourself alone with a stranger.”
Detectives want witnesses to call them on 0845 6070999. They may also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
