A sex attacker grabbed a woman from behind and pushed her to the ground in The Lanes, Brighton, last night.

The man struck between 11pm and midnight between East Street and Ship Street.

The 26-year-old victim was walking home when she was indecently assaulted.

The attack lasted about ten minutes. The offender fled when he heard a member of the public walking nearby.

Detective Sergeant Peter Smith, heading the inquiry, said: "The victim was traumatised by her ordeal and was treated at a Sussex Police victim suite."

The offender was about 5ft 8in and wore a tracksuit top with the hood up.