Burgess Hill sex attack: Suspect groped woman in Leylands Road

Officers are investigating after a woman was approached by a man who whistled and shouted at her in Burgess Hill.

After the 21-year-old, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, had confronted the man, she walked away.

The suspect then grabbed her from behind and groped her breasts before she pushed him away and he walked off.

Police say the incident in Leylands Road on March 18 was very distressing for the woman.

An e-fit image shows a black man in a dark hooded coat. He was aged between 25 and 27, and was 5ft 8ins tall.

He wore black jeans and grey trainers, the force said.

An e-fit of a sex attack suspect who groped a woman in Leylands Road, Burgess Hill, has been released by Sussex Police

Investigator Lauren Chapman said: "This was very distressing for the victim and we are very keen to identify the person responsible.

“We need to hear from anyone who recognises the man in the efit or has any information about him to come forward."

In a statement Sussex Police said: “We have released this efit of a man they would like to identify in connection with a sexual assault by touching on a woman in Burgess Hill.

“The 21-year-old victim was walking along Leylands Road at about 6.30pm on March 18 when she was approached by a man who whistled and shouted at her.

“She confronted him and then walked away. He then grabbed her from behind and touched her chest. She pushed him off and he walked off.

“The man is described as being of African/Caribbean appearance, aged between 25 and 27, 5' 8" and was wearing a black coat with the hood up, black jeans and white and grey trainers.”

Anyone who can help the investigation is asked to report information to Sussex Police online or call 101 quoting serial 1524 of 18/03.