Police have been carrying out "high visibility" patrols and speaking with the public and businesses after an attempted rape in the city centre.

A woman reported being assaulted by a man near to the skatepark at the corner of Warrior Square and Warrior Square East in Southend at around 4.20am yesterday.

She had left a nightclub shortly before the incident and had been approached by the man who was in a group of four men believed to have just left Moo Moo.

Police say, he is described as white, of medium build, with short dark brown hair, and wearing a black or dark-coloured coat with a hood, a dark-coloured jumper, black trousers, and black trainers with a white rim around the bottom.

Temporary Chief Inspector Marcus Dodd said: “I know people will be worried about this incident and what it means for their safety “At this stage we believe it’s an isolated incident and, fortunately, incidents like these are rare.

“We are committed to keeping you safe while you go out in Southend and to protecting women and girls from violence and sexual abuse.

“Specialist detectives are continuing to investigate this attack and support the victim.

“Uniformed officers have been patrolling in the area of Warrior Square and engaging with nearby bars and clubs.

“If you have any concerns or information about what happened then please speak to them or contact us.”

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 42/77770/23.

You can let police know by submitting a report on the website or by using the online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about the website reporting services.

Call Essex Police on 101 or if you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity @Crimestoppers, by visiting the website or by calling 0800 555 111.