Two men were in custody and due to face court today (Saturday 3 October) charged with raping one girl and trying to rape another.
Sussex Police said: “Two men have been charged with sexual offences involving two girls in Crawley.
“Shortly before 5am on Wednesday (30 September), police received a report that two girls, aged 15 and 16, had been sexually assaulted in a car park in Parkside, Crawley.
“Officers attended and safeguarded the victims, with two 19-year-old men being subsequently arrested and taken into custody.
“Following further inquiries, Ali Farahang, 19, an Iraqi national, of Hunter Road, Crawley, has been charged with attempted rape and human trafficking under the Modern Slavery Act.
“Adam Maina, 19, a Lebanese national, of Bath Road, in London, has been charged with rape and human trafficking under the Modern Slavery Act.
“Both remain in police custody at this time, ahead of a hearing at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Saturday (3 October).”
Superintendent Rachel Glenton said: “The victims will continue to receive the full support of specialist officers as the court proceedings continue.
“We are asking anyone who can help with our inquiries to report online or via 101, quoting Operation Pleat.”
