£5,000 reward in Warrior Square rape hunt

It is nearly four weeks since the 18-year-old was attacked in the early hours of Sunday April 11 as she walked home after a night out.

A man was seen running away from the scene towards London Road and possibly into Silchester Road just after the incident at around 4am.

A 29-year-old local man was arrested days later and was bailed to report back to police on Wednesday.

Two weeks ago the British Transport Police released a CCTV picture of another man they want to speak to in connection with the assault.

But having drawn a blank in tracing him so far, officers have stepped up the search by offering 5,000 for any information that leads to a conviction.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Jones, senior investigating officer, said: "Our enquiries are ongoing and it is vital that we hear from anyone who knows anything, no matter how insignificant it may seem,

that could help our investigation.

"We're now offering a 5,000 reward to anyone who can provide information that helps us bring those responsible to justice.

"At this time we're keeping an open mind as to who is responsible for this attack, the likes of which are very rare in this area."

The victim is from Tunbridge Wells but was in Hastings visiting friends. DCI Jones re-issued his plea for information about the man caught on CCTV cameras with her shortly before she was attacked.

To contact the BTP call 0800 405040.