A man has been arrested in connection with the rape of a teenage German student in a city park.

The 24-year-old man lives in the Plymouth Avenue area of Bevendean, Brighton, close to the scene of the crime.

He was arrested at 9pm yesterday and taken to John Street police station. Detectives are interviewing him today.

The father of the 18-year-old student was due to arrive in the city today to comfort his daughter.

The victim got off a bus in Heath Hill Avenue, Bevendean, and was attacked as she walked through The Farm park in Auckland Drive.

She ran to the home of her host family and police were alerted but there was no trace of the offender.

Detective Inspector Fiona Grant, heading the inquiry, described the rapist as "smelly, dirty with distinctive large eyes".

Police appealed for anyone in the area between 11pm and 12.15am on Monday to contact Brighton CID on 0845 6070999.