Detectives are hoping to trace a man they believe could be a key witnesses to a rape last week.

The man seen in the CCTV image was in the area when a woman was raped on the lower promenade in Eastbourne at about 2am on Sunday.

The victim, a 21-year-old woman, had been out with friends on Saturday evening but left by herself.

She was walking on the upper promenade towards the pier when a man she had not met before pulled her onto the lower promenade, just to the east side of the pier, and raped her.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Williams said: "This man could hold key information about what happened and could help us trace the suspect.

“The man who raped her is described as Asian or mixed race, medium build with a bald head or shaved head, no taller than 5' 6" with a round face and clean shaven. He was wearing a thick dark coloured jumper with a round neck with buttons or a zip to half way down his chest, he had a blue T-shirt on underneath.

"We are supporting the victim, who is obviously very distressed by what happened. We are appealing to anyone who might have been in the area at the time, especially this man, who might be able to help us with our investigation.”

"Anyone who might be able to help is asked to get in touch on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting Op Deputy."