Witness sought in rape investigation

A 51-year-old woman has reported to police that she was raped by a man known to her at around 1am to 1.30am on Sunday, March 22, in the area of Eirene Road and George V Avenue in Worthing.

The woman does not live in Sussex but was visiting the area that evening. She told police that just after being raped she knocked on the window of a parked small white van and spoke to its driver.

This was in the same area of Eirene Road and George V Avenue in Worthing in which the offence is believed to have just taken place. This van driver is described as white, in his 20’s, wearing an orange/brown bobble hat.

The man who is suspected of the rape, and the victim, then got into a taxi that had been flagged down and left the area.

A 52-year-old Angmering man arrested on suspicion of rape has been released on police bail until May 29 while enquiries continue.

Detective Constable Laura Sinden said; “We would urgently like to speak to this van driver purely as a witness, as he may have information vital to our investigation. If you are that man, or if you know who he is, please contact us via [email protected], or call us on 101, quoting serial 1363 of 23/3. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. There is no suggestion whatsoever that this van driver is a suspect in any way, we simply need to know his account of the circumstances.”