Police search for witnesses after two women are grabbed in the Lewes Road area

Sussex Police are investigating two suspected attempted sexual assaults after two women were grabbed and threatened in the Lewes Road area of Brighton. 

On Tuesday, September 4, at approximately 23.05 an 18 year old woman was walking on Lewes Road near an alleyway which leads into Saunders Park Rise when a man grabbed her. He snatched her mobile phone from her hand and threw it into a nearby bush and threatened her. Luckily a passer-by heard her scream and the man left the area. 

The man was described as 5'5", very tanned, local accent, about 30 years old, looked run down and tired with what looked like acne scars, was of larger build. He was wearing a brown woollen beanie hat and a navy blue coat. 

Later that night, approximately 23.50, a 19 year old woman was walking on Hodshrove Lane, near Moulsecoomb Primary School, when a man on a motorbike parked at the bottom of the road grabbed her and pushed her against the railings. He put his hand in her mouth and she managed to bite his fingers to get away. 

The man was described as about 45 to 45 years old, greying stubble and average build and was wearing motorbike gear. 

Police are investing both incidents as potentially linked and attempted sexual assaults. 

"Neither of the women were sexually assaulted but we are unsure of the suspect's intentions" said Detective Inspector Duncan Elliott. 

"We are appealing for any witnesses to come forward. Anyone with information or who saw what happend is asked to contact police online quoting Operation Westdown."