A woman was subjected to a serious sex assault on Brighton seafront early today.

The 27-year-old was in Middle Street at its junction with Kings Road at 1am when her attacker pounced.

The victim struggled but he dragged her into a doorway and carried out the assault.

Detective Inspector Paul Fullwood of Brighton police said: "The victim was not injured but she is extremely traumatised."

The attacker, described as Mediterranean looking, fled either towards the seafront or northwards into Duke Street.

The victim ran to the nearby Thistle Hotel and raised the alarm.

Police are anxious to trace two women she spoke to outside the hotel.

The attacker is in his mid twenties, 5ft 6in to 5ft 10in tall, and has dark hair. He wore dark clothing and spoke with a clear English accent.

Police were today checking CCTV footage in an effort to identify the offender.

Anyone with information should call Brighton CID on 0845 6070999.