Nine women were raped in one year in an area of less than a half a square mile.

The rapes, including one in the toilet of a packed nightclub, all took place in a small section of Brighton’s city centre.

Women were attacked on the beach, along the Kings Road Arches and behind the Churchill Square Shopping Centre, between 2010 and 2011.

The number of rapes was considerably higher than the year before, when just two incidences were reported to police.

The overall number of sexual offences in the area increased by 178%. In 2010/2011, there were 50 sexual offences reported to Sussex Police compared to 18 the year previously.

The offences all took place in Brighton’s Regency ward which stretches in a lopsided triangle between the seafront, Dyke Road and Montpellier Road and includes some, but not all, of Queens Road.

Sussex Police Chief Inspector Simon Nelson yesterday said: “Nine rapes is nine too many.

“It is linked to alcohol consumption and binge drinking.

“There are people who are going off with individuals they have just met.

“A woman’s friends might see her on the beach with a male and think they are getting on well. Then they will look again and she is not there and a crime has been committed.

“We want people to take informed decisions about what they are doing.”

In the case of the nightclub incident, Ch Insp Nelson said the victim had gone to the unisex toilets, but it was not known if her attacker had followed her.

Later, she told club security staff she had been raped. The police were immediately informed and staff have since been warned to be aware of couples heading into the toilets together.

Ch Insp Nelson said they were still investigating the incident but had not charged anyone yet.

Ruth Mason, manager of Brighton rape crisis centre Survivors’ Network, said: “We believe the blame for rape and sexual assault should be placed with the rapist, and that women in society should be free to feel safe regardless of how much they have had to drink or what they are wearing.

“If a person wants information about the police and court procedure, or would like support about making the decision to report to the police, we are an independent first point of call to help make an informed decision about what is right for them and their life.

“We will always support women who choose not to report to the police.”

Victims of sexual assault should call 999 if they are in immediate danger. Sussex Police can be contacted on 0800 555 111. Survivors’ Network can be contacted on 01273 720110.