A teenager with learning difficulties was raped by a man in Crawley.

Police have released an efit of the suspect as they investigate the case.

The 15-year-old had begun talking to a man in High Street, Crawley, who walked with him into Cross Keys and then attacked him.

The victim, from Crawley, tried to fight the man off but was overpowered and raped at a row of garages in the road, which links High Street to The Broadway in the town centre.

The offender then ran away.

The attacker was white, about 25 and muscular. He was tanned and had short, gelled golden brown hair. He was wearing a white string vest and dark blue jeans.

The victim, who has learning difficulties, did not immediately report the attack but instead told a member of staff at his school who contacted police.

Detective Constable Oliver Summers said: "The victim is very upset at what has happened to him.

"The attack happened on a Saturday night, between 10pm and midnight in November or December but the victim is unsure exactly when.

"I would urge anyone who was in the area around Cross Keys, High Street and The Broadway on a Saturday night in that period to contact us if they saw a man that resembles the efit.

"It has been several weeks since the incident but there could be something that sticks in your mind that could help with the investigation.

"There is nothing to suggest this is linked to any other incidents but we are working hard to identify the man involved."

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting serial 513 of 21/1, email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.