A 38-year-old man has been charged with the rape of a teen boy in a popular UK seaside town.

The 17-year-old boy was allegedly approached by the suspect while sitting on a bench and asked for assistance finding a shop that was still open.

According to East Sussex Police, he helped the man following the conversation in Dyke Road but was then taken to another address where the alleged incident took place.

Police say the alleged incident happened inside a property at another location in the town (

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Police said they launched an investigation in the early hours of Sunday morning after receiving a report of rape. Rafael Nascimento, a 38-year-old Brazilian national, was arrested a short while later and charged with rape, according to police.

His first appearance was held at Brighton Magistrates' Court on Tuesday. He has been remanded into custody and will appear in court again on September 9.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Cobbett, who is leading the investigation, said: "A dedicated team has been working diligently, swiftly, and thoroughly to ensure all lines of enquiry are fully progressed.

"The victim will continue to be supported throughout this process, and following their bravery in making a report, officers quickly identified a person of interest, and they have since been charged and remanded.

"Officers have continued to carry out enquiries in the Regent Hill area, and as a result, a heightened police presence has been visible.

"This forms part of our ongoing work to support the investigation and to provide reassurance to the community.

"We remain committed to protecting the public from those who seek to harm others. We are here to listen, to support, and to take action.

"If have information to report in connection with ongoing enquiries, we ask you contact police.

"Officers are here to ensure that every piece of evidence is collected, and every piece of information is heard."

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