A WOMAN was raped by a man after being attacked while sitting on a bench.

The 44-year-old victim was sitting on a bench in Littlehampton Cemetery, off Horsham Road, when a man attacked her and forced himself on her.

The man then released the woman and left the cemetery.

He was of mixed race, in his early 20s with short dark hair. He spoke broken English and was wearing dark clothing.

The attack happened at some time after dark on May 3. Four days later the victim reported the attack.

Detective Constable Clare Thomas said: "The victim has suffered bruising and is very upset about what has happened to her.

"We need to speak to anyone who recognises the description of the man or who may have seen the victim, who was wearing blue jeans, a light top and a black jacket, as she walked into the cemetery.

"We are not certain exactly when the attack happened but it was just getting dark when the victim walked into the cemetery.

"At this stage we are not linking this to any other incident but we are keen to speak to anyone who might have any information at all."

Anyone with information call 101 quoting serial 1416 of 7/5, email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.