Police have released a CCTV image of a man wanted in connection with a serious sex attack in an alleyway.

The suspect, thought to be Irish and called Vinnie, tried to rape an 18-year-old woman in Portland Road, Hove. 

The victim was out with friends in Brighton on Saturday, November 23, and met the suspect in the Fiddler's Elbow pub in Boyces Street.

She, a friend, the suspect and an unknown witness left the pub at closing time around 3am and walked along Western Road, into Blatchington Road and Portland Road, stopping to buy chips on the way.

In Hove the victim became seperated from her friend and the unknown man.

At an alleyway by the tattoo shop in Portland Road she was pushed against the wall and sexually assaulted.

She pushed her attacker away but he pushed her to the ground, pinned her down and attempted to rape her.

He was disturbed by a noise and she managed to escape and run off.

Detective Constable Paul Clements said: "This was obviously a very frightening experience for this young woman and we are very keen to speak to a man who we believe can help us with our investigation.

"He is believed to be known as Vinnie or Vincent and frequents Irish-themed bars in Brighton city centre.

"We have just obtained a photo of him taken by a security camera in the Fiddler's Elbow that evening.

"He is white, in his mid-20s, 5' 7", of medium build, with dark hair, facial stubble and speaks with an Irish accent. He was wearing a check shirt and cable jumper and was carrying an iPad.

"We would also like to speak to the unknown man who was in the pub and walked part of the way with the group after leaving it."

Witnesses should call Sussex Police on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 241 of 23/11.