A man has been arrested following the second sex attack to shock a picturesque village this summer.

An 18-year-old woman was walking home after a night out at 3.40am yesterday through fields near Beacon Hill, Ovingdean, near Brighton.

A man grabbed her and pushed her to the floor, then sexually assaulted her.

The attack has dismayed people living in Ovingdean and Rottingdean, who are still reeling from an assault on another young woman that took place at The Green late on Friday, June 17.

Police investigating the latest attack cordoned off the end of Park Road in Rottingdean.

Meanwhile, neighbours were left fearing the worst for the future of their previously quiet village.

Alan Holden, 81, said: "I remember what Rottingdean was like before the war and it is definitely losing its village atmosphere."

Steve Land, 30, said: "This is totally out of character for the area. It is such an idyllic village, it's hard to believe it happened.

"I saw there were a lot of police around this morning. It's shocking this has happened so soon after the last assault."

One woman, who did not want to be named, said: "It doesn't surprise me. This sort of thing can happen anywhere, whether it's the middle of Brighton or in a village."

Police were called to the scene when an off duty police officer who lives nearby heard the woman's screams.

A police dog unit was sent in and a 22-year-old man matching the attacker's description was arrested near the scene.

Det Supt Dennis Phelan of Brighton CID said: "The woman is obviously very distressed by her ordeal and although we have a man in custody we still need to hear from anyone who heard or saw anything last night that could help us with our enquiry.

"This is an extremely rare crime however we ask that if you are out on your own stick to well lit streets or if possible get a taxi to take you straight to your door."