TWO people have been arrested after a suspected rape in Pavilion Gardens. 

A 17-year-old boy and a 35-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of rape after a reported sexual assault in the Brighton city centre gardens.

The incident was reported to have happened shortly before midnight on Wednesday.

The female victim, aged 17, and two suspects had walked to the gardens via East Street and North Street. 

After the alleged assault, they walked along Old Steine and into Pool Valley, where the victim was helped by members of the public.

After police enquiries, the two people were arrested on suspicion of rape.

The boy has been released on conditional bail until July 1 and the man is still in custody. 

Officers are appealing for anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area of East Street or Pavilion Gardens to come forward.

Detective Inspector Carrie Williams, of the Brighton and Hove Safeguarding Investigations Unit, said: "We are working to establish the circumstances of this incident and are appealing for help from the public.

"If you witnessed any suspicious behaviour in the Pavilion Gardens and East Street area between 11.20pm on June 2 and 12.10am on June 3, or have any relevant CCTV or dash cam footage, please report it to us online or call 101, quoting Operation Varnish.

"We take reports of this nature extremely seriously and we are grateful to the members of the public who came forward to assist the victim. 

“She is currently being supported by specially trained officers and officers will be completing high visibility patrols in the area for community reassurance.

“This incident is being treated as isolated and there is not thought to be any threat to the wider community.”