Teenage girl raped in daylight attack at Haywards Heath park

Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a teenage girl was raped in Clair Park, Haywards Heath, on Monday, October 21. The victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, is being supported by specially trained officers. She was walking through Clair Park in the late afternoon, from the direction of Oathall Road, when […]

Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a teenage girl was raped in Clair Park, Haywards Heath, on Monday, October 21.

The victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, is being supported by specially trained officers.

She was walking through Clair Park in the late afternoon, from the direction of Oathall Road, when she was approached in a wooded area by a man unknown to her.

The suspect is described as being black or of mixed ethnic background, wearing a black hooded top with a grey zip line, and black jogging bottoms with cargo pockets.

Detective Chief Superintendent Karrie Bohanna said:

“This was a highly distressing incident, and the victim is receiving support from our officers.

“We are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry, and since this report was received, officers have been carrying out high-visibility patrols in the area.

“We are appealing for witnesses or anyone in the area at the time who may have seen something suspicious to come forward — including anyone with CCTV, doorbell, dashcam, or mobile phone footage.”

Police believe the incident happened while it was still light, and are urging anyone who may have been in the park that afternoon to contact them.

Anyone with information is asked to report it to Sussex Police online or by calling 101, quoting Operation Oakland