Two men have been charged with raping a 14-year-old girl, Sussex Police said today (Monday 1 June).
The force received a report of a rape in Eastbourne and said that the girl was being supported by specialist officers.
Sussex Police said: “Police received a report that the incident had occurred at an address in the town between 2.30am and 7am on Saturday 23 May.
“Officers launched an investigation and arrested a 39-year-old man on Monday 25 May and, following inquiries, a 40-year-old man on Wednesday 27 May.
“Miguel Dasilva, 39, of Longland Road, Eastbourne, a Portuguese national, was charged with three counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15, engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15 and engaging in sexual communication with a child.
“He appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 27 May.
“Adam Hendrick, 40, of Walton Close, Eastbourne, a British national, was charged with rape of a girl aged 13 to 15 and four counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15.
“He appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 28 May.
“Both men were remanded in custody and are next due to appear in court on Wednesday 24 June at Lewes Crown Court.”
Detective Inspector Steve Shimmons said: “Tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a priority for Sussex Police and from the moment we received the report of this incident, we have been working relentlessly to identify and arrest the suspects.
“We recognise the strength it takes for victims to come forward and report such offences and we are working alongside partner agencies to ensure the victim’s ongoing safeguarding and specialist support throughout the investigation as this case progresses.
“We are continuing our tireless pursuit collating evidence to support our investigation and the ongoing court proceedings.”
