Basildon Asda rape: Shock after woman attacked in car park

The incident, which is alleged to have taken place in the early hours of Sunday morning, occurred in the ASDA car park at Basildon’s Eastgate shopping centre.

The alleged attacker is described as black, stocky build, shaven head, and wearing a black top and trousers. 

Basildon Council’s Leader, Gavin Callaghan was one of those to express his shock at the reported crime. He said: “I am shocked to hear about this and my thoughts are with the victim.

“Crimes like this have no place in our town and it reinforces my view that the town centre safety plan we are working on is needed more than ever.”

A cordon was erected at the scene (Image: Essex Police)

The councillor also expressed concern that the Sunday’s incident could have a wider impact on the community, especially on women and girls. He said: “This will undoubtedly have a knock-on impact on the safety of women and girls in the town and I want to reassure them that we are doing everything we can to try and make our town safer quickly”.

Victoria Joseph, Deputy Mayor of Basildon and Lead for Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence echoed Mr Callaghan’s concern and focus on the broader safety of women and girls in the town. She said: “I don’t know anything about the specific incident, but Basildon council are working tirelessly to make sure that women’s safety is paramount in the town.

“As the lead for domestic violence and sexual violence, this issue of concern is very dear to me. We are working tirelessly to make sure Basildon is a safe place for women and young girls”.

Anyone with any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, is urged to contact police quoting crime reference number 42/144747/24.

Submit a report at essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about the force's online reporting services.

To make an anonymous report, contact independent charity Crimestoppers by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.