AN appeal has been launched following reports of a woman being sexually assaulted from behind by a masked suspect.

The incident occurred in an underpass by a roundabout in Upper Mayne, Basildon, at around 8.10pm on Thursday, February 8.

Officers were called to the scene at 8.25pm as it was reported a suspect had approached the victim from behind and sexually assaulted her before leaving the scene.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We are appealing for any witnesses or dashcam footage following reports of a sexual assault in Basildon.

“The suspect was described as a slim man in his 30s, wearing a beige coat with the hood raised.

“If anyone has any information, witnessed this attack or has dashcam footage from the area, please get in touch quoting incident number 1146 of Thursday 8 February.

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

Police can also be contacted by calling 101 but always call 999 in an emergency.

Anonymous reports can be made through Crimestoppers by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org/ or calling 0800 555 111.