A MAN grabbed a woman in a headlock and dragged her into a nearby street before trying to remove her clothes.
But the horrific attack in St James's Street, Brighton, was stopped when two men walking by intervened.
Sussex Police are now searching for the pair as they try to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Officers say the attack took place at about 11.45pm between June 11 and 14.
The 30-year-old woman was standing outside Subway in St James's Street when the man approached her.
As he restrained her, he took her money and phone before dragging her into nearby Steine Street.
It was there that he tried to remove her clothing.
The woman screamed and the two good Samaritans, hearing what was going on, intervened.
After being interrupted, the attacker ran off and the pair walked the woman home.
Sussex Police are now urging these two men to contact them.
PC Kirstina Neal said; "We are asking these two men and anyone else who saw what happened, to please come forward and talk to us as they may have vital information. Contact us online or by calling 101, quoting serial 539 of 15/06. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
A 47-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and sexual assault. He has been released on police bail until July 28 while enquiries continue.
The man and the woman are known to each other, Sussex Police said.
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