A Syrian man will go on trial later this year charged with raping and sexually assaulting a woman on Brighton beach.

Bilal Alkadour, 35, was arrested after a 21-year-old woman told police she had been raped at the seaside resort.

She said she was attacked opposite the Grand Hotel, at around 2am on May 3.

Sussex Police launched an investigation that led to Alkadour's arrest on May 14.

Alkadour, of Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire, was then charged with rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one of assault by penetration on a woman aged 16 years or over.

He appeared at Brighton Magistrates' Court on Saturday, May 16, and was remanded in custody.

He appeared today at Hove Crown Court wearing a black puffer jacket and grey trousers.

Speaking through an Arabic interpreter, Alkadour pleaded not guilty to all four charges and was told he would face trial in November.

Judge Jeremy Gold KC explained to Alkadour it was important he cooperated with his legal team in the preparation for the trial.

Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said: 'The victim is being supported by our officers, and this will continue as we look ahead to court proceedings. 

'I would like to thank her for the courage she has shown in reporting this matter and assisting with our enquiries.

'I know this incident will be concerning to the public, and we will continue to conduct round the clock patrols on the seafront while working with our partners to protect the public and safeguard vulnerable people.'