POLICE have blocked off a street in the centre of Brighton after a woman was raped.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "Police are investigating after a 24-year-old woman was raped in Ship Street, Brighton, during the early hours of Tuesday, January 15.

"The suspect is believed to be known to the victim." 

Officers cordoned off Ship Street Court in Brighton, outside Marwood Bar and Coffeehouse.

Detective Sergeant Leon Ryan said: “Our enquiries are at an early stage and we are still trying to establish the full circumstances.

"Forensic tests have been taking place and this has necessitated the temporary closure of Ship Street. This appears to be an isolated incident.” 

Three police officers and a police community support officer attended the scene.

One person, who was on their way to work, said: "A delivery driver came in at about 6am this morning.

"He said he thought he saw a couple but then she started screaming and that's all I know."

A passerby added: "There's always police in Brighton, but these didn't look like normal police.

"I think I saw forensics there earlier."

Another passerby said: "I came into work at about 9am this morning and the police were already there.

"There was one officer when I first turned up, but now more have joined in."

Harry Petrakas, the manager of Marwood cafe, told the Brighton Journal: "While we were closed overnight, there was an alleged incident in an area outside of Marwood.

"No one from Marwood was involved or hurt and we are currently assisting the police by preserving what could be a potential area of interest to the police investigation and also by sharing our CCTV.

"Until the police have conducted their investigation we will remain closed to the public and will advise through our Facebook page when we will reopen.”

Police have asked anyone with information that may assist detectives to report details online or phone 101, quoting serial 141 of 15/01. 

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers, either by phoning 0800 555 111 or via its website, www.crimestoppers-uk.org.