Police have launched an investigation following an incident which occurred in Elm Road, Wickford.

At around 7.30am on Tuesday, January 20, police were contacted by a member of the public who had found a woman in distress at the location near the Swan pub.

The woman, aged 20 and believed to be from the local area, said she had been sexually assaulted by a man.

Detectives from the Sexual Offences Investigation Team are investigating. Police cordons are also in place whilst forensic examinations are carried out.

A man in his 60s was arrested in connection with the incident in Basildon shortly after 10am on Monday, January 20.

Anybody who has any information about the incident is asked to contact Essex Police on 101 quoting incident 141 of January 20.

People can also give information to the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via an Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org