A WOMAN was raped near a shopping centre on a night out as people walked past.

The attack took place in Clarence Square, Brighton, near to the pedestrian walkway to Churchill Square.

The victim, from Horsham, was with friends in the city on Saturday, February 20, when they met a group of men and got talking.

The 22-year-old woman was raped between 12.40am and 1.25am.

In a statement released today, Detective Constable Leonie White said: "The rape took place in Clarence Square, very close to Churchill Square shopping centre, and we know people walked past at the time.

"We are appealing to them to come forward and talk to us.

"We have charged a man with the offence but are very keen to speak to any other witnesses.

"We are also hoping to trace a taxi which stopped for four white men on Western Road near Primark but did not pick them up.

"We are appealing to that driver to come forward as he or she may hold information which can help with our investigation."

Unemployed Oliver Harwood, of Chanctonbury Road, Burgess Hill, has been charged with rape.

The 23-year-old appeared at Brighton Magistrates' Court on February 24 and has been remanded in custody to appear at Lewes Crown court on March 23.

A 22-year-old man and 24-year-old man both from Brighton have also been arrested on suspicion of rape. They have been bailed until April 19 while investigations continue.