A 25-year-old man has been arrested following a report of rape involving a 14-year-old girl in Hassocks.
Sussex Police confirmed that the incident is alleged to have occurred in the early hours of Thursday, 2 October, at an address in the village. Detectives launched an investigation immediately after the report was made.
On Monday, 6 October, officers arrested a 25-year-old man from the Mid Sussex area on suspicion of rape. He has since been interviewed and released on conditional bail while inquiries continue.
Detective Chief Inspector Steve Cobbett, who is leading the investigation, said specialist officers are supporting the victim and her family. “We are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry to establish the full circumstances of what happened,” he said. “From our investigation so far, we believe the victim and the suspect were known to each other prior to the incident.”
Police added that they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the case and do not believe there is any wider threat to the public.
Inspector David Derrick said officers will maintain a visible presence in Hassocks while the investigation continues. “We understand that reports like this can cause concern in the community,” he said. “Residents may notice an increased police presence in the area as we continue to carry out our work.”
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Sussex Police online or by calling 101, quoting Operation Insight.
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