Man arrested after two women groped in Brighton

A man has been arrested after two women were groped in Brighton, Sussex Police said today (Wednesday 31 May).

And detectives want to hear from any other women who may have been targeted but who did not report the incidents.

The sexual assaults took place in the Jubilee Library and at a bus stop near Brighton Station.

Sussex Police said: “Detectives in Brighton and Hove are appealing for potential victims of sexual assault to come forward following two incidents in the city.

“On (Wednesday) 3 May a woman was sitting in the Jubilee Library in Jubilee Street when she was approached by a man who touched her inappropriately.

“The victim, a 23-year-old local woman, alerted staff at the library who challenged the man but he then left before police arrived.

“A month or so earlier on (Thursday) 6 April an 18-year-old woman from Newhaven was at a bus stop in Buckingham Road, Brighton, when a man approached her from behind and touched her over her clothing.

“She told him to leave her alone and he walked off in the direction of the Seven Dials roundabout.

“Both victims described the suspect as a black man, between 5ft 6in and 5ft 9in and of medium build. He wore dark-rimmed glasses.

“On Tuesday (30 May) officers investigating the assaults arrested a 38-year-old man from Brighton on suspicion of sexual assault. He has been released under investigation.”

Detective Sergeant Chris Lane said: “We believe it is possible that the person responsible for these assaults could have committed further, similar crimes in the local area, particularly around the Seven Dials.

“We would like to hear from anyone who may have information, including anyone who thinks they have been a victim and has not yet come forward and spoken to police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police online at https://sussex.police.uk/contact-us/response-to-appeal or call 101 quoting serial 908 of 06/04.