A WOMAN has been attacked and raped as she walked alone after a night out.

The assault happened near the entrance of Queen's Park, Brighton, sometime between 11pm on Friday and 12.30am on Saturday (April 9).

A 26-year-old victim was walking in East Drive around Queen's Park when she was approached by a man by the entrance to the park opposite Tower Road. 

He attacked her on the pavement close to the park sign, Sussex Police said.

After the assault he ran off through the park.

The victim was picked up by a taxi from Freshfield Road and taken to the Whitehawk area of Brighton.

The suspect is described as having short hair and wearing a parker style jacket.

Detective Inspector Jason Hazzard, of Sussex Police, said: "The victim is being supported by specially trained officers.

"She is shaken and suffered some minor injuries to her face.

"We are appealing to anyone who was in the area of Queen's Park last night who may have seen or heard anything.

"We would also like to speak to any taxi drivers who may have collected a lone woman from the Freshfield Road area and driven her to Whitehawk during the early hours of Saturday (April 10)."

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Sussex Police by emailing 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101, quoting Operation Moston.

Alternatively witnesses can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org