Detectives are hunting a man who flagged down a young woman motorist and then dragged her into an alleyway.

The victim, 21, suffered cuts and bruises as she fought off her attacker after he signalled her to stop in Fontwell Road, Selsey, police said. 

He told her there appeared to be a problem with her car but when she got out to check, he grabbed her and dragged her into an alleyway.

The police helicopter was scrambled and extra patrols were deployed after the offender fled down an alleyway at around 8.30pm last night.

Crime scene investigators have spent the day searching the alleyway and nearby gardens for anything that could identify the attacker or where he went.

Extra patrols are in the area tonight to help with house to house inquiries and to reassure the public.

Detective Inspector Alan Pack, of Sussex Police, said it was a "terrifying experience" for the victim who was being supported by specially-trained officers.

Appealing for witnesses, Mr Pack said: "We need to find this man urgently because he is clearly a danger to the public.

"It could be that he has a vehicle but the fact that he was willing to take such a risk as attacking a woman in daylight suggests he may know the area and knew what his escape route would be."

The man was white and was wearing a cap and tracksuit bottoms.

Detective Inspector Dave Grover added: "We have received a number of calls and emails from members of the public with information, including some possible names for the attacker.

"We are working through each of those reports and taking statements from the people who have contacted us.

"We're very grateful to all those people and would continue to ask anyone who has any information to contact us.

"We would particularly like to speak to anyone in the area who has CCTV outside their home or business that shows someone who fits the description of the attacker last night."

Anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.