DETECTIVES are hunting a rapist after a woman was attacked and sexually assaulted.

The incident happened as the 21-year-old victim walked in Westcourt Road, Worthing, at around 5pm on Tuesday.

She was approached by a man her from behind before dragging her into an alleyway.

The victim was found by a friend shortly after the attack and was taken to a police station.

She has told Sussex Police detectives investigating the case the suspect was black, between 6' and 6'2" with a goatee.

He had a shaved line in one of his eyebrows and was wearing a white jumper.

Detective Inspector David Payne of Sussex Police said: "That area of Worthing would have been busy, especially at that time, and I would ask anyone who saw anything suspicious to get in touch."

Witnesses are asked to email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101 quoting Operation Clandon.

Alternatively anyone with information should call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org