A teenage girl claims she passed out for 24 hours after she was dragged into bushes and attacked.

The 16-year-old had been reported missing on Thursday evening and returned home on Friday at around 6pm.

Returning home she reported that she had been attacked the day before.

A Sussex Police statement said: “She [said she] had been dragged into bushes at some time after 4pm and had passed out, coming round at about 4pm the following afternoon.

“At this time, she claimed to have spoken to an unknown passer-by who told her the time.

“She was interviewed by detectives to establish the exact circumstances of the incident and on Sunday was arrested.”

The alleged attack took place in Cross Levels Way, Eastbourne.

The girl has been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and has been bailed until October 29.