Police have have arrested an Essex man on suspicion of attempted rape in the early hours of Saturday.

Officers were called to the car park, outside B&M on Parkway in Chelmsford before 2am on Saturday March 9 - due to reports of a woman being sexually assaulted.

Police arrested a 21-year-old man from Chelmsford on suspicion of attempted rape. He remains in custody. 

A scene was in place at the location throughout Saturday and is expected to remain there until Sunday.

Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said “I must start by stating how this report has shocked us at Essex Police and stress that these offences are extremely rare.

“From the moment we received this call, our priorities have been to safeguard the victim and ensure she is supported whilst gathering evidence from the area.

“Detectives have worked extremely quickly to investigate what has happened and arrest a man in connection with this offence.

"We will continue with this momentum to ensure justice for the victim.

“We will remain in the area to continue enquiries and the investigation team are specifically appealing to anyone who may have any dashcam footage from the Parkway area of Chelmsford between 12.30pm and 2am Saturday morning to contact us.

“Additionally, if you witnessed anything suspicious in the area in the early hours of Saturday morning, please contact us.”

Those with dashcam footage or further information are asked to contact Essex Police on 101, quoting reference number 102 of March 9.