A teenage girl kicked and screamed as she fought off a would-be rapist.

The 18-year-old was traumatised by the attack in a white VW Golf in Malthouse Lane, Richmond Terrace, Brighton, last night.

Detectives are investigating whether she was dragged into the vehicle.

She reported the assault from her home and police offered her counselling.

A 29-year-old man was helping with police inquiries today.

Detective Sergeant Chris Standard said: "This is being treated as an attempted rape and we urgently need to speak to witnesses."