POLICE have confirmed a teenager was raped in an alley after she was followed by her attacker.

Detectives have now released an eFit of a man who they believe raped the 15-year old as she was walking home through Hove on Sunday, September 27.

At about 4am the girl was walking along the north side of New Church Road, Hove, when she was grabbed from behind by a man who forced her into St Phillips Mews, an alley between Hogarth Road and Richardson Road, and assaulted her.

The Bon Accord nursing home is adjacent to the scene and the Parish Church of Saint Philip overlooks the alleyway.

The girl has received specialist medical and welfare support.

Her attacker is described as black, in his thirties.

Detective Inspector Jon Fanner of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team said; "The victim had been walking home from Churchill Square in Brighton, via Western Road, and noticed a man following her as she passed Tesco in Church Road, Hove.
 
"If you were along that route and saw this man, or if you think you know who he is, please contact us via 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101, quoting Operation Tyne.
 
"You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
"This is an isolated but serious incident and we would be grateful for information from the public to help our investigation."