A teenager was dragged into bushes and raped in the early hours of the morning.

Police are appealing for witnesses after the 18-year-old from Bexhill was attacked while walking along Hastings Road in the town at 4am on Sunday morning (July 20).

She was grabbed by the man as she reached the junction with School Place.

He pushed her into some bushes and raped her.

He then ran off towards Pebsham Way.

The teenager made her way to a friend's house who contacted police to report the rape.

The suspect is described as black and of large build. He was wearing a dark blue or black t-shirt, short tracksuit bottoms, a black baseball cap and canvas plimsolls.

Detective Sergeant Ben Newman said: "We are working with the victim, who is obviously shaken and upset to establish the circumstances but we are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen her or the suspect in the area."

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting Operation Hatchet.