Appeal after teen sexually assaulted in Eastbourne

It happened at around 11.30pm on St Valentine’s Day, Tuesday February 14, when a man rode up behind her on a BMX bike and assaulted her by touching her over her clothing.

After the incident he rode off, but then came back past her. He is a white man in his late teens or early 20s, around 5’ 7”, and of skinny build. He had stubble on his face and a pointed nose.

He was wearing a black North Face jacket with the hood up, black jeans and black shoes. He smelt musty or unwashed.

His bicycle was black with a green stripe on the crossbar.

His victim shouted as she was assaulted, and police say this may have attracted the attention of a man and a woman who had alighted from the same train and who at the time were walking some way ahead of her.

The man was thought to be in his mid 30s, wearing a dark jacket and smart shoes, and the woman in her late 20s or early 30s, tall and wearing a pink top.

Detective Constable Costin Bonell, who is investigating the incident, said, “This was a frightening experience for the victim and understandably she was left feeling very upset.

“Anyone who saw or heard anything, especially the two people walking ahead of her, is asked to contact police with information.”

They should email [email protected], quoting serial 639 of 21/02, or they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 (www.crimestoppers-uk.org).

Details can also be reported online at https://sussex.police.uk/contact-us/response-to-appeal/, or they can call Sussex Police on 101.