Appeal for witnesses in rape case

Police want to interview anyone who may have been in or near Pavilion Gardens shortly before midnight on Wednesday 2 June when the victim and two suspects walked to the gardens via East Street and North Street.

After the alleged assault, they walked together along the Old Steine and into Pool Valley where the victim was assisted by members of the public.

Following enquiries, two people were arrested on suspicion of rape – a boy aged 17 and a man aged 35. The boy has been released on conditional bail until July 1 and the man was detained in custody.

Detective Inspector Carrie Williams, of the Brighton and Hove Safeguarding Investigations Unit, said: “If you witnessed any suspicious behaviour in the Pavilion Gardens and East Street area between 23.20 on 2 June  and 12.10 on 3 June, or have any relevant CCTV or dash cam footage, please report it to us online or call 101, quoting Operation Varnish”.