A man tried to rape an 18-year-old woman in a twitten in the centre of Brighton.
The woman was walking in the pedestrianised part of Duke Street when she lifted off the ground by a man who took her into a nearby alleyway.
Sussex Police said: “The woman screamed and the man was disturbed by members of the public who came to the victim’s aid so that she was able to run away and contact police.”
Detective Constable Vicky Lofts said: “We believe the offender was with another man in the moments before the attack and we are keen to identify both of them.
“We would also like to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw the attack or the aftermath, in particular those who stepped in to help the woman.
“If you saw anything at all, please contact us.”
The attack happened at about 6am on Tuesday 11 November.
The force said: “An 18-year-old man from Lancing has been arrested and questioned on suspicion of attempted rape.”
He was released on bail until Thursday 15 January.
Anyone with information is asked to phone Sussex Police on 101, email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
