Rape investigation sparks park witness appeal

Officers were called to reports of a woman in her 20s having been raped in Barrack Hall Park in Bexhill

Police investigating the rape of a woman in East Sussex are appealing for people who were at the park around the time of the incident to come forward.

The incident was reported in Barrack Hall Park in Bexhill just after 17:30 BST on Monday. The suspect was not believed to have been known by the victim.

Police are hoping to trace two people who were in the children's play park area shortly before the report was made, and another two people who were there when officers arrived.

Det Insp James Meanwell said: "We are continuing to work tirelessly, with dedicated patrols in place to provide reassurance and visibility while we carry out a thorough investigation."

The suspect was described as a white man wearing a short-sleeved top and trousers.

The victim, a woman in her 20s, is receiving support from specially trained officers as the investigation progresses.

Anyone with information or video footage which could help police is asked to contact the force.