Man, 19, is ‘raped by males’ at fashionable seaside resort as police launch CCTV in hunt for the suspects

A 19-year-old boy was raped by two unknown men at a popular seaside resort, police have said.

The teenager reported being approached in Brighton by two unknown men near Harry Ramsden’s fish and chip shop in Old Steine on Saturday, December 21, at around 3.30am.

He was then taken to Steine Lane by the men who went on to rape him before managing to seek help from a passer-by, who called the police.

A spokesman for the force called the incident ‘deeply concerning’ as two CCTV images of people have been released in connection to the incident.  

Specially trained officers are supporting the teenager as the investigation progresses.

Detective Inspector Sean Booth said: ‘Steine Lane is an area often walked both in the day and at night due to it being a popular cut-through route connecting East Street to Old Steine, and we know there were a number of people in the area around the time of the attack.

‘I would urge anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area around that time, or anyone who recognises the two men in these images, to please come forward. 

Police have released CCTV images of two people they want to speak to

Officers are hoping to speak to both men as part of their investigation 

‘Your information could be key as we work to identify those responsible.’

If you recognise the people in the CCTV images or have any information to report, contact police online or by calling 101 and quoting Operation Attach. 

Detective Booth added: ‘There is no place for sexual violence in Sussex, and we take any reports of this nature extremely seriously. 

‘Find out more, including how you can seek support, on our website.’