Hove: Woman ‘raped by man who sat next to her on graveyard bench’

Police are investigating after a 55-year-old woman was reportedly raped by a man who sat down beside her on a bench in a graveyard.

The alleged attack is believed to have taken place near St Andrew’s Church in Hove, East Sussex, as dusk fell between 5.30pm and 6pm on Thursday.

Detectives have not yet been able to carry out a detailed interview with the woman due to her distraught state and vulnerable condition.

But she is being supported by specially trained officers.

The suspect is described as a white man in his forties, 5ft 6in tall, of average build, with short grey hair and wearing jeans.

The church is next to the Tesco superstore on Church Road in Hove.

Detective Inspector Vickie Maroki, of Brighton’s safeguarding investigations unit, said: “We believe this to be an isolated incident but clearly we want to find out more as soon as we can.

“Anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in what is a busy area is asked to contact Sussex Police without delay, quoting Operation Epping.”

Anyone with information can get in touch with officers by phoning 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

(c) Sky News 2019: Hove: Woman ‘raped by man who sat next to her on graveyard bench’