POLICE are appealing for information following a report of a woman being raped at an address in Milward Crescent, Hastings.
The incident was reported on Saturday, November 30, at 7pm, and an investigation is underway.
CCTV reviews and witness enquiries are being conducted in the area and the victim is being supported by specially trained officers as the investigation progresses.
The suspect is described as a white man, aged between 20 and 30, wearing a black hooded jumper and dark tracksuit bottoms.
If you have seen anyone behaving suspiciously in or around Milward Crescent, or have any information that could assist police enquiries, we ask you make a report immediately.
Superintendent Rachel Swinney said: “We will work relentlessly, dedicating all the necessary resources, to ensure that we find the offender responsible for this appalling crime.
This incident is likely to cause significant concern in the community, and we want to assure residents that we are working locally, with dedicated patrols in place to provide reassurance and visibility.
CCTV and witness enquiries are being actively undertaken, and we urge anyone with information, no matter how small it may seem, to come forward and contact police.”
Reports can be made online or by calling 101, quoting Operation Camborne. In an emergency, always dial 999.
UPDATE 061224
It has taken police a week to finally release an e-fit of the suspect!
The police have apparently released a video but we can find no link or upload of it anywhere. Unbelievable.
“If you saw him in the area around 7pm on Saturday, please get in touch.
“Anyone with information can report online, call 101 quoting Operation Chalton or scan the QR code here.”
UPDATE 08.12.24
A man has been arrested on suspicion of rape after handing himself into police following a renewed appeal.
New CCTV footage was released in an appeal to find a man who forced his way into a woman’s home and raped her.
Sussex Police now say a man handed himself into Hastings Police Station at around 9am.
He was arrested on suspicion of rape and remains in police custody.
It comes after the force released an e-fit image of a man they believe knocked on a woman’s door before forcing his way into her home and attacking her.
A previous e-fit image of a man linked to the investigation (Image: Sussex Police)
In the new CCTV footage, a man can be seen carrying what appears to be a bottle and wearing a grey beanie and a snood.
The footage was captured on Queens Road in Hastings at 6.23pm shortly before the incident in Milward Crescent.
Sussex Police Detective Inspector Amanda Zinyama, of the Major Crime Team, said: “This investigation has raised significant concern within the community and caused a young woman extreme distress. She continues to be supported by officers as our enquiries continue.
“We would like to thank those who shared our appeals and provided any information which led to this arrest.
“We urge those with information to continue reporting, which could be crucial to the investigation.”
A spokesman for the force said anyone with information can contact police online, or by calling 101 quoting Operation Chalton.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.