A woman was attacked as she walked home in the early hours this morning.

The 21-year-old was approached by a man who grabbed her and pushed her to the floor near some bins before trying to push his hand down her trousers and top.  

Police are appealing for information to help them solve the attack in Dyke Road, Brighton, opposite St Nicholas Church, at about 2.40am.

Detectives said the victim was walking north on Dyke Road when the man approached her and spoke to her about a taxi. She carried on walking.

After he pushed her to the floor she managed to force him off, and he ran away down Church Street.

Detective Inspector Julie Wakeford said: "We want to talk to anyone who was in the area between 2.30am and 3am who may have seen either the victim or the offender.

"In particular it is believed that several taxis passed along the route and may have seen something which would be very important to help our investigation. The victim was extremely shaken but unhurt and we are giving her specialist support."

The victim described the man as white, in his early 20s, medium build, brown hair and around 5' 11" wearing a red chequered shirt.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting serial 109 of 12/12.