A woman is alleged to have been raped on Brighton beach by three asylum seekers.
Police received a report that a 33-year-old woman had been attacked on the lower esplanade in Brighton at around 5am on October 4.
Three men – Abdulla Ahmadi, 25, an Iranian national from Crewe, and Karin Al-Danasurt, 20, and Ibrahim Alshafe, 25, both Eqyptian nationals from Horsham – were arrested and each charged with two counts of rape.
All three men arrived in the UK via small boats and had had pending decisions on asylum claims, the Home Office has confirmed.
At Crawley Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, Mr Al-Danasurt and Mr Alshafe gave their address as an asylum hotel in a village near Horsham.
The court heard Al-Danasurt is being investigated for suspected immigration offences. He confirmed his name and date of birth through an Arabic interpreter and was remanded to appear at Lewes Crown Court next month.
Failed asylum seeker Alshafe confirmed his name and date of birth through an Arabic interpreter and was also remanded to appear at Lewes Crown Court next month.
Failed asylum seeker Ahmadi appeared in a separate hearing at Brighton Magistrates’ Court. He confirmed his name and date of birth through a Kurdish interpreter and was remanded to appear at Lewes Crown Court next month.
The victim is currently being supported by specialist officers, police said.
Detective Superintendent Andy Harbour of Sussex Police said: “This has been a fast-paced investigation with all three suspects having been identified through thorough investigative work.
“I commend the bravery of the victim who we continue to support with specialist officers.
“I understand how distressing this incident will be for the community and our dedicated partnership operations to protect women and girls will continue in earnest.
“Three men have been remanded in custody, and we are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with the investigation.
“If you have any information that could assist the investigation, please contact police online or via 101, quoting Operation Brampton.”
A Home Office spokesperson has said: "These allegations are shocking and we share the public's outrage. Our thoughts are with the victim of this horrific crime.
"We are receiving regular updates from Sussex Police. The priority must now be for the police to investigate so those responsible are brought to justice."
