Police fear a knife-wielding sex attacker may have struck again in Hove.

A 20-year-woman was threatened and raped at the rear of the King Alfred leisure centre on Hove seafront last Thursday.

The description of her attacker was similar to that of a man responsible for a string of sex attacks on women in Brighton town centre in December.

Detective Inspector Graham Pratt, heading the rape investigation, said: "No definite link has been established but we are keeping an open mind.

"In the meantime, we urgently need to speak to witnesses who can help us with this inquiry.'

The victim, who lives, in Hove, was walking along the seafront towards Brighton to meet her boyfriend when a four-door light-coloured hatchback pulled alongside.

The driver offered her a lift and she accepted, but instead of driving her to where she wanted to go, he took her to the rear of the King Aldred.

He threatened her, raped her, and then drove her to the Waterloo Street area of Hove where he let her out of the car.

Terrified and in shock, the victim, flagged down a passing taxi and the driver raised the alarm.

The woman was taken to a Sussex Police victim suite where she was examined by medical staff and interviewed by detectives.

Mr Pratt said: "She was extremely distressed."

A full search of the area at the rear of the King Alfred was carried out, and inquiries were continuing today.

Witnesses or anyone with information about the attack, between 11pm on Wednesday and 01.10am on Thursday should contact Mr Pratt on 0845 6070 999.