Police release image of suspect in rape inquiry

Sussex Police are asking for anyone who may know Shane Gibbs to come forward

A picture of a man awaiting trial on rape and sexual offence charges against women and children in Sussex has been released by police.

Officers hope that people who know Shane Gibbs might come forward to provide information.

Mr Gibbs, 34, also known as Blue, of no fixed address, is due to stand trial in October.

Sussex Police said Mr Gibbs is known to use different names so it is likely some people may only recognise him visually.

Mr Gibbs was remanded in custody after being charged with one count of raping a woman, two counts of taking a child to remove them from a person having lawful control, intentional strangulation, three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15, assault, possession with intent to supply a class A drug and possession with intent to supply a class B drug.

He was charged with two further counts of rape at Hove Crown Court on 8 March, police said.

Det Supt Ben Newman said: "This is a wide-ranging investigation and we believe there are people we have not yet heard from who have vital information."

Anyone with information should contact Sussex Police and quote Operation Newbarn.