A woman who fell ill was raped by a man who came to her aid.

The 27-year-old woman, who was visiting Brighton, was brutally raped by the man after he told her he would look after her and take her to hospital.

He befriended the woman in the town centre and together they took the number 49 bus from Waitrose in Western Road.

The attacker paid for the woman and together they got off in Lewes Road in the early hours. As they walked down Franklin Road the man turned on the woman and raped her.

He was disturbed by a female passer-by and fled.

The 27-year-old woman was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital for treatment.

Her attacker is described as white, 29 to 45 and fat.

He is said to resemble the character Tosh Lines from TV police drama The Bill.

He had collar-length dark hair with a moustache and wore a dark round-neck T-shirt and blue jeans.

The woman had a splint on her hand, which was injured.

Call police on 0845 60 70 999 if you have any information.