DETECTIVES investigating a rape in Basildon over the weekend have made an arrest.

A woman reported being assaulted at the bottom of the slope in the Asda car park at the Eastgate Centre at around 4am on Sunday, 22 September.

Officers and staff from Essex Police's Major Crime team have carried out multiple enquiries over the past two days and last evening (Monday, 24 September), a man was arrested on suspicion of rape.

The 34-year-old man remains in custody.

Detective Inspector Stewart Eastbrook, who is leading the investigation, said: "We have acted quickly following this report and our specialist officers and partners continue to support the victim.

"I know this incident will worry you if you live or work in the area or if you regularly use that part of town.

"We continue our enquiries and would like to thank those who have contacted us so far with information.

"If you were in the area between 4am and 8am and you saw anything please contact my team.

"If you have a dash cam, please check it – you may have caught something on there which could be important to our investigation."

DI Eastbrook added: "We are aware of posts on social media reporting an incident earlier in the night where two women were followed.

"We are currently working to establish the details of that incident and the circumstances around it."

If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

"Please quote the crime reference number 42/144747/24.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website where you can use our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.