Urgent manhunt launched after teenage girl raped in park in broad daylight

The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was walking through Clair Park in Haywards Heath from the direction of Oathall Road, in Sussex.

She was approached in a wooded area by a man not known to her, described as being from a black or mixed ethnic background.

The man was wearing a black hooded top with a grey zip line and black jogging bottoms with cargo pockets.

Sussex Police Detective Chief Superintendent Karrie Bohanna said: “This was a highly distressing incident, and the victim is receiving support from our officers.

“We are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry, and since this report was received, officers have been carrying out high-visibility patrols in the area.

“But we are appealing for witnesses or anyone in the area at the time who may have seen something suspicious to come forward.

“This also includes anyone with CCTV, doorbell, dashcam or mobile phone footage in the area at the time who has not already reported this to us.

“The victim described that it was still light outside, this incident happened at a time when lots of people may have been in the area, so we are urging people who may have information to come forward,” she said.

Following the incident, Sussex Police confirmed the victim is receiving support from specially-trained officers.

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