POLICE are stepping up patrols in Southend city centre after a man tried to rape a woman in an early-morning attack.

The victim told police she was targeted at about 4.20am on Sunday morning near the skatepark at the corner of Warrior Square.

The incident has prompted concerns women do not feel safe in and around the High Street.

Police have now introduced more “high visibility patrols” following the attempted rape, which comes just weeks after a woman was grabbed and sexually assaulted in an alleyway in Southend city centre.

The woman in the latest incident on Sunday told police had left a nightclub shortly before the incident and had been approached by the man who was in a group of four.

District commander for Southend, Jo Collins, insists Southend is a “really safe place to live, work, and socialise”.

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However, Leigh mum of seven Carolyne Goodall, 58, also avoids the High Street and tries to get her children to do the same too.

She said: “I do not feel very safe there at all and it’s just got terrible. It’s awful there now, but used to be a nice place to shop and visit. I do not go often at all and only go if I really need to. I tend to go and park and keep to where it’s busy with lots of people.”

Kimberley O’Connell,. 48, from Eastwood said: “I do not feel safe at all in the high street and do not like walking down the high street at any time.

“I would not be out at night in the area either and it’s not just Southend all areas are seeing the same thing too.

“I think it’s a lack of police force and no presence from the police. I would not go into the high street alone.

“We need more police and bobbies on the beat and in cars to keep an eye on the area.”

 

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Antony Tomassi, owner of Tomassi’s in the High Street, added: “Most people do not feel safe in the High Street and I am very concerned about it.

“My staff and I do worry about it and we need more police and more work by the special constables.”

Temporary Chief Insp 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.”

 

 

 

District commander for Southend, Jo Collins added: “Southend is a really safe place to live, work, and socialise and more than 75 per cent of people across the district believe we’re doing a good or excellent job.

“Crime is down across the district in the last year, including fewer reports of violent, sexual, and domestic offences, and fewer robberies and burglaries.

“In the same time, anti-social behaviour has fallen by almost a third.

“And we’re solving more crimes. We solved 380 more crimes in the last year than the previous 12 months and that includes investigations into violent and sexual offences, more burglaries solved, more thefts, and more domestic offences solved.

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“And our work to keep the Southend safe last summer as part of Op Union saw more than 100 arrests, and 294 stop and searches carried out with more than a third leading to the discovery of illegal items such as drugs, weapons, or stolen goods.

“We have a dedicated partnership group consisting of the police, Southend-on-Sea City Council, and the Business Improvement District dedicated to the night-time economy.

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“This includes dealing with issues as they arise and initiating plans to ensure your safety.

“Our Town Centre Team have dedicated patrols throughout the town centre and deal with incidents or issues as they happen.

“And we’re working with British Transport Police to identify and target anyone using the rail network to come into the city intent on causing crime and disorder.

“The CCTV system across the city also plays a crucial role. We work really well with the CCTV operators who do a fantastic job in bringing incidents to our attention and identifying those involved.

“There are now more than 200 cameras covering the whole city.

“And just this weekend Southend-on-Sea City Council debuted its new CCTV van which is equipped with four external digital cameras and one dome camera on top.

“We continue to work with licenced premises and the council’s licencing team to ensure they are doing everything they can to keep you safe on a night out.

“We also meet monthly with publicans with the specific aim to reduce violence in all its forms.

“The city has also retained it’s Purple Flag aware for the tenth year running, recognising areas for providing a vibrant and diverse mix of dining, entertainment, and culture while promoting the safety and wellbeing of visitors and local residents.

 

 

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“Through the Community Safety Partnership we also support Safer Streets where members of the public can report issues or incidents that are making them feel unsafe.

“My Community Policing Team check all reports and locations and assess if what additional activity may be needed.

“And in partnership with the council and the BID, we have also invested in medical provision provided by a third party – LLL - to support anyone who needs help.

“This is based at Jubilee Beach Office but also has the ability to be mobile throughout the city.

“All this work will continue and I determined that we will not let people ruin your enjoyment of our wonderful city.”

Anyone with information should call Essex Police on 101.