Police have launched an urgent investigation following a report of a teenage girl being sexually assaulted in the grounds of a church in Steyning, West Sussex.
The incident occurred around 9am on Wednesday, 27 March, at St Andrew & St Cuthman’s Church on Vicarage Lane. Officers were called to the scene following the report and are now working to establish the full circumstances.
The victim is being supported by specially trained officers, Sussex Police confirmed.
A spokesperson said:
“We are taking this report extremely seriously and are pursuing all available lines of enquiry. We understand incidents of this nature cause concern, and there will be increased patrols in the area over the coming days. Please speak to our officers if you have any worries or information.”
The suspect is described as a white man in his 20s, approximately 5ft 7ins tall, with short dark brown hair, stubble, and brown eyes. He was reportedly wearing a long navy coat, grey joggers, and white Nike Air Force 1 trainers with a blue tick. He was last seen leaving the area in a black car.
Police are appealing to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area, or who may have CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage, to get in touch.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Sussex Police online or by calling 101, quoting Operation Corfe
