Police have issued a CD fit of the man they are hunting in connection with a sex attack.

His 25-year-old victim was so hysterical after the attack that she ran from police as they arrived at the scene and hid in a garden.

She was subjected to what detectives called an "horrendous" attack.

The victim, wearing black flared trousers and black top, left the New York night club in Dyke Road, Brighton, and walked down West Street towards the seafront.

At the foot of West Street, near the junction with Kings Road, she spoke to four men, one with bleached blond short hair.

Some time later, as she was walking along Dyke Road, Hove, she was grabbed by the attacker.

He threw her to the ground and pulled part of her clothing off. He also grabbed her by the hair as the assault continued.

The victim finally managed to break free and she ran into the road, trying to flag down motorists for help.

Detective Constable Ian Thompson, heading the investigation codenamed Operation Mirran, said: "No one stopped for her. They ignored a lone female desperately seeking help.

"All of us involved in the inquiry are disgusted.

"The attack was so horrendous that it is likely to affect this woman for the rest of her life."

The victim finally managed to reach a telephone and dial 999 but she was so upset that the operator had difficulty understanding her.

Mr Thompson said: "When officers arrived she fled from them and hid in a garden. She was traumatised."

Police this weekend will be visiting night clubs and showing the CD fit of the suspect in the hope someone will recognise him.

The attack happened at about 1am last Sunday, April 1.

The attacker is in his late twenties and of medium build.

He is about 5ft 10in with short mousey spiked hair and spoke with a local or London accent.

He was wearing baggy beige-coloured cord trousers and a dark-coloured hooded top.

Anyone who saw the victim either in West Street or Dyke Road and anyone with information about the attacker should call Hove CID on 0845 6070 999.