Dozens call Crimewatch about Hove rape

Dozens of people have called the BBC television programme Crimewatch about the rape of a 17-year-old A-level student in a park in Hove in February.

At least two names have been suggested to detectives from Sussex Police after a reconstruction and a brief clip of CCTV footage was screened.

An actor spoke the words of the victim who described having been out to supper in Brighton with friends.

When they went clubbing, she went home.

But as she walked along Dyke Road in Brighton, she was grabbed from behind by the Booth Museum by a man who had been following her.

He dragged her across the road into Dyke Road Park in Hove where he raped her.

She tried bravely to engage him in conversation.

From her recollection of his terse response, it has been suggested that he may be Russian or East European.

He was described as in his thirties, olive skinned, of stocky build with short dark hair and sideburns.

He was wearing jeans, a dark jacket and trainers and may have been wearing a hat.

The attack happened at about 12.20am on Tuesday 15 February.

Detective Chief Inspector Trevor Bowles, of the Sussex Police Major Crime Branch, said: “We’ve taken a lot of calls on this case.”

But her urged people to help identify the man seen in the CCTV clip.

Anyone with information should call Sussex Police on 0485 6070999 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.