Men charged with rape as police investigate string of sex attacks in Brighton

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Detective Superintendent Richard McDonagh, Sussex Police’s safeguarding investigations unit chief, said: “We understand the public will be concerned by these reports and we are offering specialist support to each of the victims in these cases. “Women and girls should be able to enjoy a night out in safety…We have extra officers carrying out extended patrols in the area, alongside the wide range of safety measures with our partners to keep people safe in the city centre.” Police received a report on September 6 that a young woman had been raped on the beach near Brighton Pier after midnight, while on September 8 officers were called to London Road after a woman in her 20s had been sexually assaulted at around 3.15am. Detective Superintendent McDonagh added: “In addition to extended patrols in the area, we are working with venues and partners, including night safety marshals, Beach Patrol, taxi marshals and Safe Space, to help keep people safe. “Digital screens highlighting support services such as night safety marshals, who can escort people to safe locations and link in with officers via their mobile handsets, are also being displayed in venues across Brighton.” Police are reminding people of the ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme which helps anyone who feels unsafe to discreetly ask for help in city venues.