A young woman was sexually assaulted as she walked home after seeing in the new year.

She was pushed against the side of a building and assaulted but her attacker fled when she shouted for help.

The 24-year-old was approached as she was walking along Marine Parade, Brighton.

Her attacker began a conversation before grabbing and assaulting her, near the junction with Belgrave Place.

The man was last seen walking east along Marine Parade shortly after the attack at 2.30am yesterday.

Detective Inspector Ian Pollard, of Brighton and Hove police, said the area had been very busy at the time and appealed for witnesses.

The attacker was described as 25 to 29, with olive skin and a round, clean-shaven face. He had short brown hair and spoke with a Middle Eastern accent. He was wearing an unbuttoned light blue denim jacket, over a white or grey top with a large collar or hood and light blue jeans.

Anyone with information should contact Detective Constable Steve May of Brighton CID on 0845 6070999.