Two men arrested after man, 19, raped ‘by strangers’ in seaside resort during early hours

TWO men have been arrested on suspicion of rape after a man, 19, was attacked in the seaside resort of Brighton.

The teenage victim reported two strangers approaching him near Harry Ramsdens, in Old Steine, at around 3.30am on December 21.

He was then led to Steine Lane, a short walk from Brighton's popular seafront, and attacked.

A passer-by managed to help the teen and called the police.

Sussex Police arrested two men, aged 40 and 42, on suspicion of rape on Boxing Day.

They remain in police custody while enquiries continue.

A spokesperson for the force said: "Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the rape of a man in Brighton.

"Following enquiries, a 40-year-old man from Redhill, Surrey, was arrested in Esher, Surrey; and a 42-year-old man from Chessington, Kingston-Upon-Thomas, was arrested in Ramsgate, Kent.

"Both men were arrested on Thursday 26 December on suspicion of rape. They remain in police custody at this time."

Detective Inspector Sean Booth added: “These arrests were as a direct result of excellent work from our dedicated team of staff, officers and the public.

“We are still urging anyone with information about this incident to contact police online, or by calling 101, quoting Operation Attach.”