A WOMAN has been attacked on her way home in the early hours of the morning.

The 20-year-old victim was walking home along Auckland Drive, Bevendean, shortly before 1.30am on Thursday (July 21) when a man pounced on her.

It is believe the man, described as white, 5'5", wearing a light grey hoody and dark trousers, had been following her home.

As she reached her own address and turned into the garden he jumped on her.

She screamed and he ran off.

A Sussex Police spokesman said the victim was unhurt but very shaken, and nothing was stolen.

Detective Inspector Lee Horner of Sussex Police said: "Although our investigation is at early stage we are treating this as an attempt to carry out a serious sexual assault.

"The woman had travelled from the city centre on the N25 night bus from North Street to the Lewes Road junction with The Avenue, where she got off and walked along the Avenue, eventually turning right into Auckland Drive.

"It was when she reached a factory area in Auckland Drive that she became aware of the man following behind her on the opposite side of the road. He got closer and closer, finally attacking her just as she got home.

"However he could have been following her from before that point, so we are asking if anyone saw a man behaving suspiciously anywhere along the route she took from the city centre.

"It is an isolated incident. There have been no previous reports of anything similar to this in the area or indeed in Brighton recently.

"This was a very frightening and distressing experience for her, and she is currently receiving support and expert counselling.

"We need to find this man as quickly as possible."

Witnesses are asked to contact Sussex Police via 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101, quoting serial 129 of July 21.

Alternatively they should contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-org.uk