Hailsham teenager reports rape in alleyway (From The Argus)

Hailsham teenager reports rape in alleyway

1:19pm Friday 7th September 2012 in News By Ben Parsons, Crime Reporter

A 13-year-old girl has told police a bearded man raped her in an alleyway in Hailsham last month.

The teenager reported the crime eight days later.

Detectives have issued this image based on her description of the attacker.

The girl said she was walking along Black Path, towards Chapel Barn Close, at about 9.30pm on Saturday, August 18, when she was attacked.

She said a man called out her name and grabbed her before raping her.

She said he was white, between 25 and 30, with brown or ginger hair, with a thick dark or brown beard.

He wore grey tracksuit bottoms and a grey hoodie with the hood up.

Detective Sergeant Dave Bristow, of East Sussex CID, said: "Some time had passed before the report was made to us and officers have interviewed the girl and made a number of enquiries.

"The girl has assisted us with an image of the man and we are asking the public to help us identify him."

Inspector Tony Wakefield said: "Incidents of this type are rare and I would like to reassure the public that we are doing all we can to support this investigation.

"It would appear that the man knew the girl's name although she does not know him. I would encourage anyone who is concerned or has information to speak to officers."

Anyone who can help is asked to call Sussex Police on 101, quoting Operation Blaze, serial 1673, of August 26, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.