A WOMAN was raped in a car park as she walked late at night near a popular beauty spot, police said.

The 22-year-old told police she had been punched in the face and raped by a male stranger near Devil's Dyke.

She reported being attacked in a car park in Devil's Dyke Road at around midnight.

Detectives are investigating and have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

In particular they are keen to hear from anyone who had their cars parked in the site at the time.

Detective Sergeant Mike Butler added: "We are offering the woman support as she is clearly very distressed by what happened."

Police said the woman, from Hove, left the Shepherd and Dog Pub in The Street, Fulking, at the foot of Devil's Dyke, at 9.30pm on the night of the rape.

She then contacted a friend to say she was walking near Devil's Dyke.

He rang police when she did not return to his house as expected.

A Sussex Police spokesman added: "Officers attended and found her on Devil's Dyke Road.

"She told officers she had been punched in the face and raped by a man in a car park off Devil's Dyke Road between 11.30pm and 12.30am."

DS Butler said the victim described her attacker as 6ft, 2inches tall.

He added: "She said there were two cars parked in the car park where the incident happened but didn't see anyone in the cars.

"We are appealing to anyone who saw a woman walking between Fulking and Devil's Dyke or who was in one of the cars in the car park late on Sunday or the early hours of Monday."

Sussex Police said they had not had any other reports of this type of incident at Devil's Dyke.

A spokesman added: "The investigation is in its early stages and we working with the victim to establish the circumstances of the incident and exactly where she walked from the pub.

"I would encourage anyone who is concerned or has information to speak to officers or contact Sussex Police."

The woman was attacked on Sunday, June 19, but Sussex Police have only yesterday released details.

Contact police on 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101 quoting serial 1202 of June 21.