E-fit image of Crawley attempted rape suspect released

The attack happened on Tuesday night

Author: Adam GoacherPublished 12th Mar 2021

Police have released an E-fit image of a man they want to speak to in connection with an attempted rape in Crawley.

On Tuesday night (March 9th), sometime between 7pm and 7:15pm, a 17-year-old girl was walking her dog along the pathway from Overdene Drive towards the tunnel that runs underneath the A23.

She turned before the end of the tunnel and walked back along the path, before being grabbed by a man who attempted to rape her.

She was able to break free and shout for help. The man fled the scene in the direction of the tunnel. The victim is being supported by specialist officers.

The man was described as white, in his late teens to late 30s, 5’ 9” to 5’ 10”, with dark eyes, short dark coloured hair and short dark stubble. He spoke with an eastern European accent and was wearing dark clothing.

Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Allana Hughes said: "We are appealing for anyone who recognises this man, or anyone who witnessed the sexual assault or any suspicious behaviour at this location around the time of the incident, to make contact with us.

"We would particularly like to hear from people who were in Quantock Close, The Dingle or surrounding roads around this time or anyone who may have dashcam, ring doorbell or CCTV footage which might have captured the suspect fleeing the scene.

"We have increased our patrols in the area and have been conducting house-to-house enquiries alongside investigating any potential lines of enquiry.

"Please come forward to us with any information which you think could help our investigation, no matter how small."

Anyone with any information is asked to call 101.

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