A WOMAN was sexually assaulted on Southend High Street in the early hours of Sunday after a night out with friends.

The victim, aged in her 20s, was approached by two men and following a short conversation was sexually assaulted by one of them.

According to a friend of the woman, who took to social media to warn others, the women had been drinking in a bar prior to the attack.

The attacker has been described as of Middle Eastern appearance, about 5ft 10ins tall and of slim build.

He had bushy dark hair which was shaved at the sides and was wearing an Adidas tracksuit and white trainers.

Martin Terry, Independent councillor for public protection, said: “This sort of thing shouldn’t be happening anywhere and we’ve seen the national concern over threats to women and the very low conviction rates for this sort of thing.

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“This is a concern to me and these sort of incidents shouldn’t be going on anywhere least of all in the town centre.

“I am sure the police will leave no stone unturned.

“We want everyone to be safe, especially women in our town and I would ask everyone to take care.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We are investigating a sexual assault which took place in Southend High Street in the early hours of Sunday 7 November.

“The victim, a woman aged in her 20s, was approached by two men and, after a brief conversation, one of the men sexually assaulted her.

“Thankfully, the victim was able to leave the area. She is being safeguarded by specialist officers.”

Contact 101 citing reference 42/257329/21 with information.