A woman has been raped by two men in central Brighton.

The 51-year-old victim was walking with her light coloured Chihuahua dog in the Upper Rock Gardens area of Kemp Town, Brighton, when she was approached by two men.

The pair forced her to walk with them to an unknown location nearby before raping her.

They then killed her dog either during or after the incident. Its body was later found buried in a flower bed behind St Marys Church in St Georges Road at the junction with Upper Rock Gardens.

The victim also had two rings stolen.

The incident happened between 2.30am and 7am on Friday July 31.

The first suspect is described as black, over 6'3" and stocky. The second suspect is described as white, taller than the black man, skinny with untidy hair and a denim jacket.

Detective Sergeant Chris Lane said: "We are appealing for anyone who saw the victim or suspects in the area. The victim, who is white, is visually distinctive as she was wearing a light coloured coat and red/white striped leggings with a 'Where's Wally' motif. The Chihuahua may have been carried inside her coat and was wearing a pink collar and lead.

"In particular, several members of public including a woman on a pedal cycle may have tried to assist the victim in the Upper Rock Gardens or nearby Hampshire Court area after she was attacked and before she was found by another member of the public near St Marys Church at 9am that day. We are also very keen to trace these people."

Anyone with any information should contact Sussex Police via 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101, quoting serial 411 of July 31.

Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.