POLICE have been carrying out enquiries following a reported sexual assault in Uppermayne, Basildon.

It was reported a woman was grabbed by a man at around 9pm on Thursday, 8 February. Fortunately, the woman was able to get away.

A statement from Essex :Police says: "The man involved has been described as having tanned skin, athletically built, aged between 30 and 40, and around 6ft tall.

"Since that time we have been carrying out a number of enquiries to identify the man involved and that investigation is ongoing.

"Officers have also been carrying out proactive high-visibility patrols to provide reassurance."

Detective Chief Inspector David Browning said: "I know this incident will cause concern in the community and we have a team of officers working hard to identify the man involved and apprehend him.

"There have been some reports on social media indicating other people have been targeted in the area of Gloucester Park

"However, we have not received reports into us of incidents which match those on social media.

"If you have any information about the incident on 8 February – or any other incident which may have taken place – please contact us."

DCI Browning added: "Incidents such as this are rare and Basildon is a safe place.

"In the last year there have been nearly 700 less sexual crimes in Essex this year and Basildon has seen some of the biggest reductions."

"You can let us know by submitting a report on ou r 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 X, formerly Twitter, at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.

Please quote the crime reference number 42/21543/24.