A teenager was sexually assaulted by a hooded man as she walked alone in a city centre street.

The 17-year-old was pushed to the ground in Gloucester Road, Brighton, at about 1.30am today but managed to get away to raise the alarm.

Sussex Police are advising women going out in the city over the bank holiday celebrations to be aware of their safety.

The girl had left a party and was walking near the junction with Gloucester Street when she was attacked.

Police want to speak to people who saw her in the area. She is white, with shoulder-length brown hair, and was wearing a white I Love NY T-shirt.

The attacker was black, in his 30s, taller than 5ft 7in, with shaven black hair and big eyes.

He was wearing a grey zipped hooded jumper and dark blue jeans.

His hood fell back during the assault.

Detective Constable Rowan Carter said: "This was a very frightening experience for the victim who thankfully was able to get away and call for help.

“I am keen to speak to anyone who was in the area of Gloucester Road, Brighton at around 1.30am."

She said women should take steps to make themselves less vulnerable late at night over the Easter period.

She said: “Stay vigilant and try to be in a pair so you are not on your own and stick to well-lit areas.”

Anyone who saw anything in Gloucester Street is asked to call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999, quoting serial 226 of April 22, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.