Police in Brighton are appealing for information about the rape of a woman that is believed to have occurred in the Upper Rock Gardens area of Kemp Town, Brighton between 2.30am and 7am on Friday 31 July, following which her pet dog was killed.
The victim, a 51-year old local woman, is believed to have been approached in a local street by a white man and a black man who forced her to walk with them to an unknown location nearby before raping her.
She had with at the time her light coloured Chihuahua dog and this may have been killed during or after the incident. The dog was later found buried in a flower bed behind St Marys Church in St Georges Road at the junction with Upper Rock Gardens.
The victim also had two rings stolen from her and these have not been recovered.
The first suspect is described as black, over 6ft 3in and stocky. The second suspect is described as white, taller than the black man, skinny with untidy hair and a denim jacket.
Detective Sergeant Chris Lane said; “We are appealing for anyone who saw the victim or suspects in the area. The victim, who is white, is visually distinctive as she was wearing a light coloured coat and red/white striped leggings with a ‘Where’s Wally’ motif. The Chihuahua may have been carried inside her coat and was wearing a pink collar and lead.
“If you can help in any way, please contact us via 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call us on 101, in either case quoting serial 0411 of 31/07. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
“In particular, several members of public including a woman on a pedal cycle may have tried to assist the victim in the Upper Rock Gardens or nearby Hampshire Court area after she was attacked and before she was found by another member of the public near St Marys Church at 9am that day. We are also very keen to trace these people.”
Officers have been carrying out intensive local enquiries including assessment of CCTV, and the investigation continues.
