A duo has been charged after the reported rape of a 19-year-old man.

The incident is said to have happened in Brighton's trendy The Lanes area in the early hours of December 21.

Mark Lett, 42, was arrested in Ramsgate on Boxing Day following a large police manhunt while George Ellis, 40, was also apprehended.

Both men, of Redstone Road, Redhill, Surrey, have now been charged with rape and committing an offence with the intention of committing a relevant sexual offence.

They appeared before Brighton Magistrates' Court on December 28, where they were remanded in custody.

The pair will next appear before Lewes Crown Court later today (December 30).

The complainant is said to have been approached by two unknown men near Harry Ramsden’s, in Old Steine, before being raped nearby shortly afterwards.

He reportedly sought help from a passer-by who alerted the authorities, police say.

He continues to receive support from specialist officers as the investigation progresses.

Detective Inspector Sean Booth said: “We are still urging anyone with information about this incident to contact Sussex Police online, or by calling 101, quoting Operation Attach.”