Two men sexually assaulted and robbed an American woman as she walked back to her Brighton home in the early hours of yesterday morning (Saturday 10 March).
Four men stepped in to help the 35-year-old woman and fought off her attackers.
The incident happened just before 4am in Stone Street, off Preston Street, Brighton.
Detectives from Sussex Police said that they were trying to trace the four good samaritans so that they could build a better picture of the identities of the attackers.
Sussex Police said: “The 35-year-old woman was walking home in Brighton after celebrating a birthday with friends when she was pushed to the ground by two men.
“One sexually assaulted her while the other robbed her of a small amount of cash and her American passport.”
Detective Inspector Miles Ockwell said: “This was a nasty attack which has left the woman shaken with minor injuries.
“We are providing her with all the support she needs.
“Fortunately the attack was seen by four men, who were passing by at the time. They rushed to her aid and bravely fought off the men.
Courageous
“I have no doubt that their courageous actions helped protect her and possibly prevented her from being more seriously assaulted.
“These four men left the scene before the woman, who lives and works locally, reported the incident to police minutes later.
“We are keen to talk to these witnesses, and any other people, in the hope that they can give us information that will help us identify her attackers.
“If you are one of those men who came to her aid please contact us.
“You are being treated as a witness and what you have to say will be valuable in our investigation.”
The two men who carried out the attack were described as 30 to 40 years old.
They were accompanied by a blonde woman who looked about 18 years old and was wearing a mini-skirt and tight top.
One of the attackers was an overweight white man with a short crewcut. He was wearing a black tracksuit.
The other was described as mixed race with short dreadlocks. He was wearing baggy jeans.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
