Girl, 16, ‘raped’ on UK seafront in early hours attack with man, 20, arrested

| Freelance News Reporter Published November 7, 2026 3:17pm Updated November 7, 2026 3:17pm A girl was reportedly sexually assaulted on the seafront in Bognor Regis, Sussex, early this morning (Picture: Google) A 16-year-old girl was allegedly raped on the seafront of a popular beach resort. The teenager was said to have been attacked on Marine Drive West in Bognor Regis, Sussex, in the early hours of this morning. A 20-year-old man has since been arrested by police and is currently being held in custody on suspicion of rape. Officers have placed a cordon around the resort’s seafront, including the promenade and several shelters. Specially trained officers are also supporting the victim. Sign up for all of the latest stories Start your day informed with Metro's News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens. A subsequent investigation into the early morning attack has been codenamed Operation Kilgaven, Sussex Police confirmed. A spokesperson for the force said: ‘Police are investigating a report of a rape of a 16-year-old girl in Bognor. ‘The offence is understood to have taken place in Marine Drive West in the early hours of Saturday, November 7. ‘A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of rape and remains in custody at this time. ‘The victim is being supported by specialist trained officers. ‘Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting Operation Kilgaven.’ Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. For more stories like this, check our news page. Arrow MORE: Man who confessed to 1998 murder of mum-of-seven jailed for just 10 years Arrow MORE: Critical incident declared after car shot at with man, 43, and boy, 16, arrested Arrow MORE: Boy, 4, dies after Range Rover crashes on country road Breaking News Never miss the biggest stories with breaking news alerts in your inbox.