A woman has reported being raped in a churchyard next to a supermarket in Hove, Sussex Police said this evening (Friday 1 November).
The attack happened yesterday evening, police said, as they issued an appeal for witnesses.
The force said: “Police are investigating after a 55-year-old woman was reported to have been raped in the graveyard at St Andrew’s Church, next to the Tesco superstore, in Church Road, Hove, on Thursday (31 October).
“The suspect – described as a white man in his forties, 5ft 6in, of average build, with short grey hair and wearing jeans – attacked her after sitting down beside her on a bench.
“The incident is believed to have occurred as dusk was falling, between 5.30pm and 6pm.
“Police have not yet been able to carry out a detailed interview with the woman due to her distraught state and vulnerable condition but she is being supported by specially trained officers.”
Detective Inspector Vickie Maroki, of Brighton’s Safeguarding Investigations Unit, said: “We believe this to be an isolated incident but clearly we want to find out more as soon as we can.
“Anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in what is a busy area is asked to contact Sussex Police without delay, quoting Operation Epping.
“They can do so online or by phoning 101. Information can also be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”
