Police were today investigating the alleged rape of a teenage girl in a town centre McDonald's restaurant.

The attack is said to have taken place in an upstairs toilet at the restaurant in Eastbourne.

The 16-year-old was at the restaurant with a group of about ten people.

She was being examined by doctors at the Eastbourne District General Hospital last night.

A suspect was arrested at the railway station, about 600 yards from the fast food restaurant in Terminus Road, shortly after the alleged incident at 5.30pm on Wednesday and was taken for questioning at Grove Road police station.

Chief Inspector Pete Mills said the suspect was bailed last night pending further investigations.

Mr Mills, the Eastbourne district police commander, said: "An allegation of rape was made and we are treating it as such.

"The alleged victim is a 16-year-old girl.

"A suspect arrested minutes after the report was made was last night bailed as further statements now need to be taken.

"The bail period is relatively short.

"In the meantime, further inquiries will be made into this allegation of rape."

A manager at the restaurant, situated in a shopping parade, declined to comment today.

He directed inquiries to head office in East Finchley, London.

A McDonald's spokeswoman said: "There is a police investigation with which we will be complying fully.

"Because the police are carrying out inquiries it would be prejudicial for us to say anything.

"However, we can confirm that police are carrying out inquiries into an allegation of rape."