Women were warned to stay safe tonight after a sex attacker struck for the second time.

Police believe a man who tried to rape a 36-year-old woman by recycling bins in Upper Rock Gardens, Brighton, on Sunday was the same man who attacked a woman in Park Street on Wednesday, June 22.

They issued this CCTV footage of a man they believe “may hold some vital clues”.

Sunday’s attack, which happened at about 3.15am, was not reported to police until this Wednesday, and the suspected link was not made public until tonight.

The suspect approached the woman outside the Ranelagh Arms pub in St James’s Street and walked with her to the scene of the attack by recycling bins outside St Mary’s Church.

He fled after the attempted rape.

Police are trying to trace people who saw them together the Convenience Corner shop in St James’s Street.

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Sloan, of Sussex Police’s major crime branch, has taken over the investigation from Brighton and Hove CID.

He said: "Although I want women to continue to enjoy the wonderful nightlife that Brighton has to offer I do want to stress that it is important they are vigilant and remain safe; do not walk about late at night on your own, make sure your family and friends know your whereabouts and make sure your mobile phone is fully charged or has credit.

“Do not hesitate to call 999 if you think you are being followed.”

Anyone with information about the attacks or who can identify the man in the CCTV is asked to call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting Operation Plymouth.