POLICE are trying to trace a woman who said a man tried to rape her.

The distressed victim approached door staff at Crowns pub, near Churchill Square, early on Saturday and said a man had attacked her.

Police were called to the pub but by the time officers arrived at 1.25am the victim had left.

Detectives are now trying to locate her to try to solve the crime.

Detective Sergeant Jemma Paterson said: “We are keen to trace the woman so that one of our specialist trained officers can speak to her. She may have been drinking in the pub earlier in the evening. She is reported to have injuries to her face and neck and she may live in central Brighton.

“We would also like to hear from anyone who may know the victim or have witnessed anything suspicious in the area around the time to come forward.”

Anyone with information can report online or ring 101 quoting serial 87 of 16/11.