A Romford man has been charged after a teenager was allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted in a Brighton hotel.

The woman, in her late teens, alleged she was attacked at the Leonardo Hotel in Stroudley Road after being spiked.

She reported the incident, which allegedly happened on March 12, to police and an investigation was launched while she was supported by specialist officers.

Yousuf Dar, 23, of Main Road in Romford, was arrested on Saturday (March 16) and was charged with administering a substance with intent to stupefy to allow sexual activity, sexual assault, voyeurism, false imprisonment and perverting the course of justice.

At Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Monday, Dar was remanded in custody to appear at Lewes Crown Court on April 15.

Det Ch Supt Richard McDonagh said: “Sussex Police takes any reports of spiking extremely seriously and we will do all we can to support victims and bring perpetrators to justice."