A 14-year-old girl was allegedly attacked and raped in a country lane.

Police have launched an investigation and are appealing for information on the incident, which happened near Billingshurst between 12.15pm and 1.15pm last Monday, March 1.

The teenager was walking along a lane off Okehurst Road, in a quiet country area known as The Haven, between Bucks Green and Five Oaks, when it was reported she was attacked by a man.

He allegedly forced her to the ground and raped her on a track just off the road before making off on foot.

Police say a white van, thought to have a slight dent in its bodywork, drove past during the incident and may have disturbed the attacker.

The offence was reported to Sussex Police on Saturday, and the girl is now being supported by specially trained officers.

Officers have launched an investigation into the incident.

A suspect has been described as white, in his 30s, heavily built and about 5ft 9in tall. He was wearing a disease prevention face mask and a navy blue beanie hat with a long, dark zip-up coat.

Detective Constable Jason Berney of the West Sussex Specialist Investigations Unit said; "We are making extensive enquiries.

"Anyone who was nearby last Monday and saw anything suspicious, or who can help us identify that white van or who thinks they may know this suspect, is asked to contact us either online or by calling 101, quoting serial 642 of 06/03."

There have been no other reports of attacks on women or girls in the area recently, Sussex Police say.