Man arrested after sex assault in church grounds

Police responded to reports of a sexual assault in the church grounds on Thursday morning

A 19-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a sexual assault in the grounds of a church in a West Sussex town, police have said.

Officers were called to St Andrew and St Cuthman Church in Vicarage Lane in Steyning at about 09:00 GMT on Thursday.

The teenager has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and kidnapping.

The victim, a teenage girl, is being supported by specialist officers, a police spokesperson said.

Det Insp Andrew Ricks, from Sussex Police, said: "We understand that members of the public may be alarmed and worried by this incident.

"We have an enhanced police presence in the area."

Officers are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.