Three men charged with two counts of assault after Brighton seafront

Three men have been charged after a 33-year-old woman was allegedly raped on Brighton's lower esplanade in the early hours of October 4, Sussex Police said. Officers were called to the seafront at about 5 a.m. after a report that the woman had been attacked. An investigation was launched and specialist officers are providing support to the victim.

Police arrested three men in connection with the incident and charged each with two counts of assault. They are named as Abdulla Ahmadi, 25, an Iranian national from Crewe; and Karin AlDanasurt, 20, and Ibrahim Alshafe, 25, both Egyptian nationals from Horsham. All three have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at magistrates' court, with further hearings in the Crown Court expected as the case progresses.

Detective Superintendent Andy Harbour described the inquiry as swift. "This has been a fast-paced investigation," he said. "I commend the bravery of the victim who we continue to support with specialist officers." He added that investigators were not currently seeking anyone else in connection with the case and asked anyone with information to contact police online or by calling 101, quoting Operation Brampton.