Police hunting a rapist who flung a woman to the ground have knocked on 500 doors in a desperate bid for information.

The woman from Suffolk was on a visit to Brighton to visit a family member when she attacked on November 15.

She did not report the attack for a number of weeks, but has since come forward and said what happened.

The 27-year-old has bravely told officers how she was in Ditchling Road, near The Level, when she turned into a side road of terraced, two-storey houses.

She said she became aware of a man walking behind her.

She moved to let him past, but he spun her round, flung her down on the pavement and raped her. He then walked off, leaving the woman to find her way back to her car in Caledonian Road. He did not speak throughout the attack.

Detective Inspector Steve Warner, of Brighton CID, said: "The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, November 15, this year, but for personal reasons the victim did not report it to police until some weeks later.

"However, she did attend the Saturn Centre, Crawley, later the same day where forensic samples and her clothing were secured, and a full investigation is now under way.

"The victim is not sure in which street she was attacked, but we have carried out extensive house-to-house enquiries in the Ditchling Road area in an effort to find out more. Almost 500 homes have now been visited.

"We are keen to hear from anyone who thinks they may recognise the man in the e-fit or who has any information that may help us with our investigation. It is thought this was an isolated incident but clearly we want this man brought to justice as soon as possible."

The suspect is white, under 30, of medium build, and with short, dark hair. He was wearing a dark blue hooded jumper, a dark fabric waist-length jacket and jeans. He smelt of cigarette smoke and beer.

Anyone who can help should phone Sussex Police on 101, quoting Operation Maldon.