A TOWN centre park remains closed while police investigate a rape.

Police cordoned off the Memorial Gardens in Crawley after the incident in the early hours of Sunday morning.

A 30-year-old woman was in the park a with a man she had met there earlier that night.

Then at some time between 1am and 2.25am he took her into some bushes and raped her, before running off into Kingsgate car park.

The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is being looked after by specialist police officers.

On Sunday forensics investigators carried out tests around the park, photographing evidence and gathering clues.

The suspect is described as being about 18-years-old, with scruffy long black hair down to his ears and a black beard.

He may have been wearing a white North Face hooded jacket, blue jeans, white Nike trainers, and a big gold watch.

Detectives say they are still establishing the circumstances of the incident.

Detective Sergeant Pauline Lane said: “We are appealing for any witnesses who were in the Memorial Gardens on Saturday night or in the early hours of Sunday.

“The victim approached two men after she was attacked and told them what had happened. We need to speak to these two men.

“There are police patrols in the area of Memorial Gardens and anyone with concerns should speak to them."

Witnesses or anyone with information should report it online or call 101 and quote 110 of 06.01.

For advice and support for victims of rape or serious sexual assault, visit the Sussex Police website, www.sussex.police.uk/rasso.