A 21-YEAR-OLD woman was raped and attacked by a man as she was walking home.

The woman was assaulted in an alleyway off Middle Road, Shoreham at 2.30am on Sunday.

Police are appealing for witnesses.

The news comes after a 40-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape in Boundary Road, Portslade on Sunday evening. A woman in her twenties was found unconscious and taken to hospital.

Sussex Police said the two cases were not linked.

The force is appealing for witnesses.

Detective Constable Hugh Charles from the West Sussex Safeguarding Investigations Unit said: “Although this investigation is at an early stage we are currently following specific lines of enquiry and residents in this area will notice police activity, including patrolling officers who are also paying extra attention to the area.

“The victim is receiving support from specially trained officers and at present this appears to be an isolated incident, not part of any recent series of crimes of any kind.

“If you have any information that may help our investigation, contact us on 101 or online quoting Operation Deacon.”

The Detective Constable also added: “We also remind local people to continue to take common sense precautions to stay safe when out and about, and to report anything suspicious to us, either on 101 or via 999 in the event of emergency.”