A sex attacker ended up with a bloody nose when he pounced on an East Sussex student.

The 18-year-old woman was attacked as she lay on the ground near the Clambers play area in Falaise Road, Hastings, on Monday night.

She had tripped as she tried to escape from the man, who then assaulted her - but she managed to punch him hard in the face.

Detective Constable Chris Cox, leading the hunt for the man, said: "She punched him hard as he tried to attack her and he bled, so I'm sure he will bear the signs of an injury."

The attacker was white and wore jeans, dark shoes and a dark hooded top. Police are not linking the incident with other recent sex attacks.

Anyone with information should call Mr Cox at Hastings police station on 0845 6070999.