Brighton beach ‘sex attacks’: Two men charged and one arrested after string of rapes near Pier and city centre
COPS have charged two men and arrested another following a number of reports of rapes and sexual assaults in Brighton.
The string of attacks have been carried out in the city centre as well as on the beach over the last three weeks.
Police say two of the offences are linked as a single suspect has been charged and remanded, but there is no link between this and the other ongoing investigations.
On Wednesday, September, 6 police received a report that a young woman had been raped on the beach near Brighton Pier shortly after midnight.
Three days later officers were called to London Road in the early hours after a report that a woman in her 20s had been sexually assaulted at around 3.15am.
A man has been charged with rape and attempted rape, in relation to both incidents, and remanded in custody.
On Sunday, September 10, police were called to the beach near the Kings Road Arches at around 5.35am by a member of the public concerned for the welfare of a woman in her 30s.
Officers arrested a man at the scene, who has been charged with rape and remanded in custody.
Cops are still hunting a second suspect and the investigation is ongoing.
Officers are keen to speak to the man captured in CCTV images and are asking anyone who recognises him or has any information to get in touch.
In the early hours of Saturday, September 16, police received a report that a woman in her 20s had been raped on the beach.
A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape and being in possession of a class B drug – cannabis. He has been remanded in custody in relation to a separate matter.
An investigation is also ongoing into reports of a woman being raped on the seafront near Brighton Pier, and another sexually assaulted nearby, shortly after 3am on Sunday, September 24.
Anyone with information which could help police with their investigation are asked to come forward.
Each of the victims is being supported by specialist officers while thorough investigations are carried out.
Detective Superintendent McDonagh added: “In addition to extended patrols in the area, we are working with venues and partners, including Night Safety Marshals, Beach Patrol, taxi marshals and Safe Space, to help keep people safe.
“Digital screens highlighting support services such as Night Safety Marshals, who can escort people to safe locations and link in with officers via their mobile handsets, are also being displayed in venues across Brighton.
“If you have concerns or feel unsafe, please contact police or a member of security staff, or dial 999 in an emergency.”