Police are hunting for a man with a scratched face after a sex attack.

The suspect was clawed by his 21-year-old victim after he pounced on her early yesterday.

The woman was rugby-tackled to the ground and sexually assaulted off South Street, Tarring, Worthing, at about 1.20am.

She was walking home from a friend s house when she realised a man was following her near West Worthing Station.

He followed her to Tarring Recreation Ground, where the attack took place.

The man ran off when a driver saw what was happening and pulled up to intervene.

The woman was shaken afterwards and bruised from her fall.

Sussex Police said the woman screamed for help during the attack.

Detective Inspector Rob Walker said: "This was a really frightening experience for her.

"She bravely resisted, and her cries did help prevent an even worse crime taking place."

The attacker was in his 40s with dark, Mediterranean-type skin, about 5ft 11in, heavyset, with receding hair.

Police are appealing for anyone who knows someone of that description, particularly if they had a scratched face on Sunday, to contact them.

DI Walker said: "This is an exceptional and isolated incident for Worthing.

"There have been no similar incidents in the town recently and we are not linking it at this stage to any other offences further afield.

"But we need to find this man before he attempts any other such crime.

"Our advice to women contiunues to be that they should take common sense precautions for their own safety when out late at night.

"Always consider letting family or friends know where you are and where you are going, avoid if you can isolated or badly-lit areas, and consider walking with a friend."

Anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999, quoting Operation Eastbank, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.