CCTV IMAGES of a rape suspect have been released by the police.

Officers say the attack happened in Waterloo Street in Hove during the early hours of Thursday morning.

A 25-year-old woman was walking along, when a man approached her from behind and put his arm around her waist.

He told her she was pretty and offered money in exchange for sexual favours.

She refused his advances, so he then raped her.

It was only stopped when a man living in the street came out to ask what was going on, the suspect then walked off towards the seafront.

He is described as white, 5ft 5ins, in his late 20s or early 30s, speaking in broken English with a possible link to Eastern Europe.

Police say he is of athletic build and broad shouldered, with clear skin and clean shaven, with short brown hair that looks styled with clippers.

His hair is a grade four or grade five.

He wore a waist length black leather jacket with a yellow seam on each arm, dark blue jeans and light coloured trainers.

Footage released shows the suspect’s movements just before the attack on the woman.

He entered the area from an alley into Waterloo Street and turned left to follow her.

Detective Sergeant Paul Hitchcock said the victim has received specialist support.

He said: “This is an isolated incident for the area and not part of any series, but we need to find this man as soon as possible, so please contact us if you can help.

"If you were in the Waterloo Street area early on Thursday morning and saw what happened, or if you think you recognise this man, please get in touch with us right away."

Information can be reported on the Sussex Police website, or by calling 101 and quoting Operation Pennine.

Guidance for rape and sex asssualt victims is available by visiting sussex.police.uk/rasso.