A WOMAN has been raped in Brighton city centre by a man "armed with a knife". 

The 43-year-old victim was walking towards the sea along Queen's Road, between 12.15am and 1am on Saturday morning, before she was attacked.

An unknown man approached her near the junction with Gloucester Road - less than 150 metres away from Brighton railway station - telling her he had a knife and forced her down steps near the traffic lights. 

He then raped the woman. 

The victim did not see a knife.

The attacker made off along Queen's Road. 

The suspect is described as white, clean shaven but of a scruffy appearance, and with a scar on the left side of his face.

He was wearing a red t-shirt and blue trousers.

Detective inspector Ian Still, who is leading the investigation, said: "This was an isolated incident, carried out close to the main thoroughfare leading to Brighton railway station.

"Our enquiries are still at an early stage and we are seeking to clarify the exact circumstances.

"It is a busy area, even late at night, and we would ask anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious, or recalls seeing something that may have since struck them as such, to get in touch."

The attack occurred as dozens of revellers hit the city's streets last night, dubbed "Mad Friday", to celebrate the last day of work before Christmas. 

If you have any information you can call 101 quoting serial 56 of 23/12. Alternatively you can visit the Crimestoppers website or contact the independent charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.