Updated at 3.45pm

A teenage woman was raped in a park this morning.

The 17-year-old was walking north along Dyke Road, Hove, when she was attacked by an unknown man near the Booth Museum.

Sussex Police said the man grabbed her from behind before dragging her across the road into Dyke Road Park where she was raped.

After the attack the woman ran to the nearby Tesco Express and reported it to police.

Police initially said the attack happened at about 1.30am but now say it took place at about 12.30am.

The suspect is described as in his 30s, olive skinned, short dark hair, stocky build, slight facial hair with sideburns and spoke with either a European accent which could be French or Italian.

Speaking this afternoon, Detective Chief Inspector Trevor Bowles said: "The area where the attack took place is still cordoned off whilst forensic examinations are being carried out.

"The investigation is focusing on the scene of the attack and areas around it, officers are continuing with house to house enquiries and CCTV from both commercial and residential properties is being viewed.

"The victim took a busy route home and we are hoping that someone may have seen her being followed by the suspect. She left the Clock Tower in Brighton at around midnight and walked to Dyke Road via Seven Dials.

"She was using her iPod whilst she walked home. Then at around 12:30am when she was near the Booth Museum she was grabbed from behind, dragged across Dyke Road and raped at the back of a hut near the tennis grounds.

"I would like to reiterate that attacks of this nature are rare but I would urge women when walking at night to please be vigilant."

If you have any information regarding this attack please call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999, quoting Operation Dublin, or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.