POLICE believe the same man could be responsible for attacks on two women in Eastbourne.

Detectives have urged women to take extra care if they are out alone at night after a woman was subjected to a terrifying sex attack in Gildredge Park.

The 20-year-old victim was walking alone through the park between 8-9pm on Sunday when she was overpowered and sexually assaulted.

Her screams were heard by residents who found her with her wrists bound by handcuffs. She was later freed by the fire brigade.

The woman was taken to Eastbourne District General Hospital and allowed home on Monday.

She has since been speaking to specially trained police officers about her ordeal.

Police have also revealed that an attempt was made to abduct another woman as she walked home along Upperton Road in the early hours of Saturday.

A man driving a Range Rover-type vehicle spoke to the woman, who is in her teens, and persuaded her to cross the road towards him before attempting to pull her into the car.

He was forced to flee after she screamed and put up a struggle in a frantic bid to break free.

The attacker is described as white, around 40, with a dark complexion and protruding jaw.

Appealing for information, Det Chief Insp Peter Coll, of East Downs Division, said: "We know there were people in Gildredge Park between 8pm and 9pm on Sunday night, including a boy on his pedal cycle.

"We cannot rule out the possibility that the two incidents are connected and we have stepped up police patrols in the area."

The incident room can be contacted on 01323 412299.

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