Man charged with abduction and rape of teenage girl

A man has been charged with the abduction and rape of a 13-year-old girl in Brighton.

Hamdan Alshamsi, 20, of no fixed address, was arrested and charged with two counts of rape and child abduction of the victim.

Sussex Police said Alshamsi and the girl are known to each other.

Alshamsi appeared at Brighton Magistrates' Court on 31 December and was remanded in custody to appear at Brighton Crown Court on 28 January.

Sussex Police said the victim is being supported by specially trained officers.

Det Ch Ins Steve Cobbett said: "Sussex Police takes all reports of sexual violence offences extremely seriously."

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