Police seek ‘chubby’ man over seafront attempted rape

A 21-year-old woman was approached by a man asking for a light for his cigarette, near the volleyball courts in the Active Beach Zone, between 3.30am and 4.30am.

The man then tried to hold her and sexually assault her.

She fought off her attacker and ran off past the children’s play park and onto the A259 Brighton Road.

The suspect was white, late 20s to early 30s, of chubby build, with a well-groomed full beard and moustache. He had pock-marked cheeks and spoke with a local accent.

He was wearing a black hooded top with white splashes over it and white Adidas trainers.

Detective Sergeant Simon Dunn, of Worthing CID, said: “This would appear to be an isolated, opportunist incident but was clearly very distressing for the victim. We are keen to hear from anyone who saw what happened or who may be able to help us identify the suspect.”

Anyone with information is asked to email [email protected] or phone 101, quoting serial 955 of 5/1. Alternatively they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, without having to leave their name, on 0800 555111.