Police Release Shocking Photos: Two Men Wanted After Teenage Girl S.e.x.u.a.l.l.y Assaulted in the Water at Brighton Beach
Sussex Police have released images of two men they wish to speak with following reports that a teenage girl was sexually assaulted on Brighton beach. The incident is understood to have taken place near the bottom of West Street, close to the city’s famous pier and the Royal Pavilion, on 23 June.
According to police, the girl was sexually touched over her clothing while in the water. The alleged offence occurred in the late afternoon or early evening. Officers say the two men approached the victim and her friend a short time earlier, sat with them on the beach, and that the incident later took place once the group had entered the sea.
Sussex Police are now appealing for public help to identify the men shown in the released images. Anyone who recognises them or has information about the events of that afternoon is asked to contact the force online or by calling 101, quoting reference 1694 of 23/06.
Brighton beach is one of the most popular stretches of coastline on the south coast of England. The area around West Street sits at the heart of the busy seafront, drawing large numbers of visitors, families and young people throughout the summer months. The proximity to the pier and the historic Royal Pavilion makes the location especially well-known and heavily frequented during warm weather.
Police investigations into reports of this nature typically involve reviewing CCTV, gathering witness statements and examining any available digital evidence. In this case, the force has chosen to release images of the two men as part of its ongoing enquiries, indicating that officers believe members of the public may be able to assist with identification.
Sexual offences on busy public beaches raise significant concerns about personal safety in crowded tourist areas. Authorities regularly urge people who have witnessed suspicious behaviour or who hold relevant information to come forward, stressing that even small details can prove important. Specialist officers are available to support victims of sexual crime, and reports can be made confidentially.
The incident was reported to police after it occurred, and the investigation remains active. No further details about the age of the victim beyond her being a teenager, or about the identity or description of the men beyond the released images, have been made public by the force at this stage.
Brighton’s seafront is a major economic and cultural asset for the city, supporting tourism, hospitality and local businesses. High-profile appeals of this kind often generate widespread attention and can lead to rapid identification when members of the community recognise individuals from the images.
Police continue to encourage anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, to make contact. The reference number provided allows reports to be correctly linked to the investigation. Officers have not indicated whether the men are considered suspects or simply persons of interest at this time, stating only that they wish to speak with them in connection with further enquiries.
As with all reports of sexual assault, the priority remains supporting the victim and thoroughly examining the circumstances. The public is reminded that sexual touching without consent is a criminal offence, and that incidents occurring in public spaces such as beaches are taken seriously by investigators.
Anyone who was in the area near the bottom of West Street on the afternoon or early evening of 23 June and who saw anything of note is asked to review the images and contact Sussex Police if they can assist.
The investigation continues.
