Sussex Police have initiated an urgent and extensive search for a man and a woman following a horrific rape that occurred in a popular seaside town park in broad daylight. The distressing incident has sent shockwaves through the local community in Eastbourne.
The attack took place in Hampden Park on Saturday, September 2nd, at approximately 3:15 pm. Despite the public nature of the location and the time of day, the perpetrators remain at large.
Appeal for Witnesses and Information
Detectives are urgently appealing to the public for assistance. They are particularly keen to speak to a member of the public who is believed to have been walking a small, light-brown dog in the area at the time and may have witnessed crucial events.
Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent, Emma Heater, emphasised the severity of the case: "This was a horrific attack on a woman in a public park in the middle of the afternoon. We are carrying out a thorough investigation and are following a number of active lines of enquiry."
Description of the Suspects
Police have released descriptions of the two individuals they wish to trace:
- The male suspect is described as white, in his late 20s to early 30s, approximately 5ft 10ins tall, of a large build with short dark hair. He was clean-shaven and wore a blue long-sleeved top, grey jogging bottoms, and dark trainers.
- The female suspect is described as white and in her late 20s. She had her hair in a ponytail and was wearing a dark-coloured jacket and dark leggings.
Officers are conducting extensive CCTV trawls and carrying out forensic analysis in their efforts to identify the pair.
Support for the Victim and Community
The victim is currently receiving specialist support from trained officers. The police have assured the public that there will be an increased presence in the Hampden Park area to provide reassurance and to gather information.
DS Supt Heater added: "We are providing support to the victim and would urge anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to please come forward."
Anyone with any information is urged to contact police online or by calling 101, quoting Operation Doubledown.
