A man has been charged with strangling a 63-year-old woman in a park.

Sussex Police were called following the incident in Hampden Park, Eastbourne, between 2.20pm and 2.30pm on Saturday, February 25, which saw the woman approached by a man not known to her as she walked her dog near the perimeter footpath near Decoy Drive.

Lewis Wood, 28, of no fixed address, has now been charged with intentional strangulation, and with committing an offence with the intention of committing a relevant sexual offence.

He appeared before Brighton Magistrates’ Court on February 27, where he was remanded in custody, to appear before Lewes Crown Court on March 27.

The victim has been receiving support from specially trained officers.

A 28-year-old man was initially arrested at Dean Road in Eastbourne on suspicion of assault on February 25.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “Detectives are continuing to appeal for any witnesses who may have been in the park and seen anything suspicious to come forward.

“This was an isolated incident, and officers have been carrying out increased high-visibility patrols in the area to provide reassurance.

“Information can be reported to Sussex Police online and quote serial 715 of 25/02.

“Support and advice for those affected by incidents of violence against women and girls is available on the Sussex Police website.”