A CHURCH was cordoned off as police investigated the rape of a 28-year-old woman.

Sussex Police are investigating the claims a woman was attacked in St Nicholas Church yard in Brighton.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “The offence, against a 28-year-old woman, is alleged to have occurred at the location, off Dyke Road, sometime before 3.30am on Tuesday.

“The area had been cordoned off while a forensics examination was carried out.”

A 30-year-old man, of no fixed address, was arrested on suspicion of rape and remains in police custody at this stage.

The spokesman added: “Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101, quoting serial 113 of 10/05.”