A woman was raped and robbed in Brighton and Hove city centre as she made her way home.

The victim, 23, had been at a seafront club and was between West Street and the Palace Pier, Brighton, when her attacker struck early yesterday.

The woman, who suffered shock and minor cuts, is a visitor to Brighton and took a taxi to Bevendean, where she is staying.

She arrived at 3.30am and a friend called police shortly before 5am.

Minutes before the attack the victim, who is white, was robbed of her black Fiorelli handbag after being approached by a group of black people.

Police today appealed for witnesses. Anyone with information should contact Detective Sergeant Phil Herring at Brighton and Hove CID on 0845 6070 999.