Police are appealing for a van driver who may be able to help them with a rape investigation to come forward.

The driver could have vital information about the incident, which happened in the Eirene Road and George V Avenue area of Worthing.

A 51-year old woman who does not live in Sussex but was visiting the area reported that  just after being attached, she knocked on the window of a parked small white van and spoke to its driver.

The offence is believed to have taken place in the early hours of  Sunday, March 22.

The driver is described as white, in his 20's, wearing an orange/brown bobble hat.   

The victim told police she knew the man who had allegedly attacked her and had been walking with him at about 1am to 1.30am that morning.

The man suspected of the rape and the victim then got into a taxi that had been flagged down and left the area.   

Detective Constable Laura Sinden said; "We would urgently like to speak to this van driver purely as a witness, as he may have information vital to our investigation.

There is no suggestion whatsoever that this van driver is a suspect in any way, we simply need to know his account of the circumstances."   

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police via 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk, or call 101, quoting serial 1363 of 23/3.

A 52-year-old Angmering man arrested on suspicion of rape has been released on police bail until May 29 while enquiries continue.