A woman was raped in the grounds of the Royal Pavilion in Brighton this morning (Saturday 8 June), Sussex Police said.
The Royal Pavilion is closed to the public and much of the grounds are taped off while police carry out an investigation.
Sussex Police said: “Police are investigating the rape of a woman in the grounds of Brighton Pavilion.
“The woman, in her early twenties, was seen running from the grounds in a distressed state at 5.45am on Saturday morning (June 8), prompting a call to police from a concerned member of the public.
“She told officers that she had been raped by a man shortly beforehand and is now receiving specialist support.
“The area has now been cordoned off while forensic investigations take place.
“Anyone with information about the incident, which is believed to have occurred around the area of the Indian Gate or who was in the area at the time is asked to report online or call 101 quoting Operation Cobalt.”