A 23-year-old woman was raped  by a stranger on the beach after a night out. 

The victim had left a nearby nightspot to sit by the sea when she was approached by a man in his 20s on Brighton beach who had dark hair and who spoke with a foreign accent. 

After carrying out the attack he stood up and ran off.

The attack took place to the west of the Palace Pier between 3am and 4am on Sunday morning.

The woman approached a jogger for help and then a nightclub doorman who rang the police.

Detective Inspector Lee Horner, of Brighton CID, said: "I want to reassure the public that all allegations of this nature are taken very seriously and, as in this case, a large number of police officers are being used to gather all available evidence.

"The victim is currently helping police to piece together the events and she is being supported by specialist officers."

Police are appealing for anyone who was in the area of the beach or Pool Valley between 3am and 4am, and who saw anything suspicious or who may have other information.

Police officers were scouring the beach for clues yesterday. 

A small area of the beach was cordoned off as scenes of crime officers forensically searched amid the pebbles.

A worker who left a nearby bar around the same time the attack was reported to have taken place said he was shocked.

Miguel Simpson, 25, bar manager of Ohso Social on the beachfront, said: “It’s a massive shock for everyone here, especially as it’s happened at the week- end when we are all leaving quite late.

“Last night we had a Christmas party and left at about 3.30am. It’s not a very nice thought at all.

“It’s definitely something to be wor- ried about.

“This is the first time I remember anything like this happening after two years of working here.

Witnesses should call Sussex Police on 101.