Detectives are hunting a sex attacker after two women were assaulted in a church graveyard within 24 hours.

Both victims were dragged into the grounds of St Nicholas Church in Church Street, Brighton, before being indecently assaulted.

The first attack happened just after 2am on Wednesday.

The victim was walking through the cemetery when she was approached by a man of Turkish or Italian appearance wearing a black leather coat.

The man, who was in his early 30s and had spiked black hair, forced her to the ground and assaulted her.

At 12.20am the following day another woman was grabbed from behind as she walked past the church.

She was also sexually assaulted.

Both women were shaken by their ordeal but physically unharmed and are being given counselling.

Police last night said a man had been arrested in connection with the attacks but was released on police bail.

They are appealing for witnesses who might have seen the attacker, who was about 5ft 8in and was wearing a navy jumper and combat trousers, to contact them.

Detective Inspector Ian Pollard said: "This type of attack is not common and there are similarities between the two incidents."

He said officers were keeping an open mind as to whether the two incidents were linked.

Anyone who has any information or was in the area at the time of the attacks is asked to call Detective Constable Sarah Barratt at Brighton CID on 0845 6070999.