A WOMAN has allegedly been sexually assaulted in Basildon as police carry out patrols following further reports of other people also being targeted.

Essex Police say they have been carrying out enquiries following a report of a sexual assault in Uppermayne, Basildon.

It was reported a woman was grabbed by a man at around 9pm on Thursday, February 8. Fortunately, the woman was able to get away.

The man involved has been described as having tanned skin, athletically built, aged between 30 and 40, and around 6ft tall.

Since then, Essex Police say they have been carrying out a number of enquiries to identify the man involved and that investigation is ongoing.

Officers have also been carrying out proactive high-visibility patrols to provide reassurance after there have been reports of social media indicting other people have also been targeted in the area.

Det Chief Insp David Browning said: “I know this incident will cause concern in the community and we have a team of officers working hard to identify the man involved and apprehend him.

“There have been some reports on social media indicating other people have been targeted in the area of Gloucester Park.

“However, we have not received reports into us of incidents which match those on social media.

“If you have any information about the incident on 8 February – or any other incident which may have taken place – please contact us.”

It is believed the suspect had approached the victim from behind in Uppermayne, Basildon.

DCI Browning added: “Incidents such as this are rare, and Basildon is a safe place.

“In the last year there have been nearly 700 less sexual crimes in Essex this year and Basildon has seen some of the biggest reductions."

If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then get in contact with Essex Police quoting the crime reference number 42/21543/24.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent crimefighting charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.