Teenage boy raped close to chippy as police launch CCTV snaps of two suspects

People who were in the area are now being encouraged to contact police with anything they saw that was suspicious, with Steine Laneunderstood to be a “popular cut-through route”

Two men are wanted for questioning by police following the rape of a teenage boy in Brighton. CCTV of the pair has been released by Sussex Police after the 19-year-old victim reported being approached close to Harry Ramsdens, in Old Steine, at around 3.30am on Saturday. It is alleged by the teen that two suspects then took him to Steine Lane, where he was raped.

The teen is now being supported by specialist officers after the incident, which is understood to have been brought to a halt when a passerby helped, leading to the police being called. Offices have now launched an investigation.

People who were in the area are now being encouraged to contact police with anything they saw that was suspicious, with Steine Laneunderstood to be a “popular cut-through route”.

Detective Inspector Sean Booth said: “This is a deeply concerning incident and we are supporting the victim as our enquiries continue.

“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.

“Your information could be key as we work to identify those responsible.”

If you have any information to report, you can contact police online, or by calling 101, quoting Operation Attach.

Det Insp 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.”