POLICE have deployed extra patrols in a neighbourhood after a woman was raped in an alleyway.

The victim, who is in her twenties, was attacked in an alleyway off Avon Close in Sompting shortly after midnight on Wednesday.

The suspect, who is not known to her, is a man with a tanned complexion, 5ft 10in tall, unshaven, and wearing a black coat with zipped pockets and a fur-trimmed hood.

He also wore a black beanie hat pulled down to his eyes.

He spoke with a foreign accent and smelled strongly of smoke.

Officers have been carrying out house-to-house enquiries.

Sussex Police is also appealing to anyone who has CCTV or dash-cam footage that may help to identify the suspect or where he went.

Detective Inspector Suzanne Neilson, senior investigating officer, said: “Any information is welcome, however insignificant it may seem.

“Offences of this kind are fortunately rare, but we understand the concerns that may be generated.

“Extra patrols have been deployed to reassure the community and provide additional points of contact while we seek to trace and apprehend the person responsible.”

Anyone with information that may assist detectives is asked to report details online or to phone 101, quoting Operation Mire.

Alternatively they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously. number is 0800 555 111.