A MAN has been charged with raping a woman and stealing her bank card.

Bilal Huseyin, 32, of Lambs Farm Road, Horsham, has been charged with raping the woman, 50, in Horsham Park on Thursday, June 16.

He has also been charged with the theft and fraudulent use of her bank card.

Huseyin appeared in custody at Crawley Magistrates Court on Thursday, July 21 and was remanded in custody to appear at Lewes Crown Court on August 18.

The police investigation, led by officers from the West Sussex Safeguarding Investigations Unit, followed a report received on June 16.

Huseyin was arrested on June 27 and released on police bail on the following day while enquiries continued.

Officers appealed for any witnesses who may have been in the Horsham Park area between 10pm and midnight on June 16 to come forward. 

Following further information and enquiries he was re-arrested on July 20 and charged.

Detective Inspector Amanda Zinyama said: "Following our intensive enquiries, and valuable information from the public, we are glad that we have been able to make this arrest and put this man before the court."