An 18-year-old office worker spoke today about her terrifying ordeal after being pounced on by a sex attacker.

Close to tears, the victim, who does not want to be named, told how she was attacked as she walked home in Tilgate, Crawley, at 11.30pm on Sunday, November 11.

She appealed for help to find her attacker and said she would not feel safe until he was caught.

She said: "I had just left some friends and was walking home when a man approached me and began talking to me. He tried to kiss me and I pushed him away and started to run. I fell over and he caught up with me and tried to pull my top up.

"He groped me while I was on the ground but I managed to kick him between the legs and run away.

"I was absolutely terrified and feared for my life. I spent the night crying.

"Now I am scared to walk around and find myself looking at everyone wondering if it was them.

"I won't go out after dark. Before I didn't think twice about it. I want this man found before he does this to someone else."

The only time she felt safe was when she was at work with people around her.

She said: "If anyone recognises this man please phone the police because I don't want anyone to go through the experience I had."

Detective Constable Ian Tremble praised the woman for her bravery in telling her story. He said: "After such a traumatic experience and the way it has affected her this was very brave of her."

He hoped it would encourage people to come forward if they had any information.

He warned: "This type of attacker may well be prepared to do it again if he is not caught."

The man is described as Asian, in his early to mid twenties, 5ft 8in to 5-9in, of average build with big eyes. He had cropped hair with a gelled effect at the front.