A POLICE probe has been launched after claims that someone used a mirror to look into a woman’s changing cubicle at a leisure centre. 

The 61-year-old victim has been left distressed by the “disturbing” incident at Clements Hall Leisure Centre in Hawkwell on Wednesday. 

Speaking to the Echo, the woman revealed she has been unable to sleep following the incident as she urged police to make an arrest as soon as possible. 

READ MORE >> '20 armed police' swarm Westcliff street to arrest two men at gunpoint

Both Essex Police and Fusion Lifestyle - which runs the centre - have confirmed they are aware of the incident and are investigating. 

The victim said: “Wednesday night’s incident was distressing and upsetting, as well as being extremely disturbing.

“I got very little sleep as the incident reoccurred in my head as I don’t know if the perpetrator was filming while he was watching me, they could well have been and the thought that this film could be stored on someone’s computer adds to my upset.

“I hope the police can find them and are able to make an arrest.”

Following the report, Essex Police are now investigation the incident as voyeurism.

A spokesman said: “We received a report of voyeurism at a leisure centre in Clements Hall Way, Hawkwell.

“Our enquiries are ongoing, and we are appealing for anyone who has information to get in touch.”

The alleged victim is now calling for the mixed-sex changing rooms at the leisure centre to be redesigned to include floor to ceiling dividers. 

She said: “Now being a victim of this type of abuse, it has brought home how easy it is for this to occur.

“I have emailed the centre requesting their safeguarding policy is reviewed and that changes are made to the changing areas as a matter of urgency.

“The mixed changing rooms should have floor-to-ceiling panels, as the current design gives predators of such abusive behaviour an open ticket to continue which really worries me.”

A Fusion spokesman said: “We take the safety and well-being of all our centre users extremely seriously.  

“The incident was reported to centre staff and the matter is now in police hands.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting incident 1058 of June 15.