DETECTIVES are hunting a sex attacker who forced a teenager into public toilets in broad daylight and tried to rape her.

The girl was assaulted before managing to struggle free.

Police are now concerned the man may strike again and are appealing for information.

The teenager was so traumatised by the incident, which happened on Good Friday, that she has only just been able to tell her family and police what happened.

It was more than two weeks before she could face telling anyone about her ordeal.

The attack happened as she was leaving the toilets behind shops in Worth Road, Pound Hill, Crawley, at about 2pm.

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Det Sgt Ian Trimble said there were a lot of people around at the time.

He said: "The girl is obviously very upset by her ordeal and we are still trying to establish everything that happened.

"We are concerned the man may try something similar again and are asking anyone who may be able to help us with our inquiries to contact us as soon as possible.

"The attack happened at a busy time of day and we need to hear from people who were in the Worth Road area and who may have seen this male.

"We are looking to see if there are any links with other offences in the county."

The attacker is described as white, about 6ft, 20 to 30 years old, skinny with brown or dark blond hair. He was wearing black jeans and a dark blue or black shirt.

Anyone with information can call Crawley CID on 01293 524242 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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