DETECTIVES investigating a report of a rape in Basildon have released an E-FIT image of a man they want to speak to.

The incident is reported to have happened in March or April of last year (2021) in the Felmores area, after a man guided a girl to an alleyway claiming it was a shortcut. The girl is being supported by specialist officers while our enquiries continue.

The man is described as white, around 5ft 8in tall, slim, with black hair and was wearing a black ring on his finger. It's believed he may be in his 20s.

Detective Inspector Kevin Hughes of our Serious Crime Directorate, who is leading the investigation, said: "This will understandably be alarming for the local community but please be assured that we have dedicated, specialist officers working hard to progress this investigation.

"Investigations of this kind are complex and lengthy, and our first priority is always to safeguard the victim and provide them with the support they need to speak with us when they're ready.

"Although it has now been some time since the alleged offence, we're hopeful that someone may recognise the man pictured or have information that can help us."

"If you recognise this man or have any CCTV, dash cam, or doorbell footage from the area that may have captured the events leading up to the incident, please get in contact."

You can submit a report online via this link where you can use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am and 11pm. Quote crime reference 42/14813/22.

You can also call police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.