Police have launched an investigation into a serious sexual assault on a 20-year-old woman.

The woman was walking in Warrior Gardens, St Leonards, at about 11.15pm on Friday when she was approached by three men and attacked.

A passer-by spotted the woman screaming as she was dragged along the road by one of the men and called police from a nearby telephone box. By the time police arrived, the three men had gone.

Their victim was taken to the Conquest Hospital in Hastings. She was discharged later the same night. Police are appealing for witnesses and want to trace the man who raised the alarm.

Det Sgt Lorraine Clarke, of Hastings Police, said: "This was an extremely violent attack on a young girl. We are hoping a number of people may have seen her or the attack and we would ask them to come forward. We are particularly anxious to find the man who made the call to the police as he could be vital in our investigation."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Sgt Clarke or Det Con John Stainsbury on 0845 60 70 999.

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