Police are investigating the possible sexual assault of a woman who was found in a distressed state in Mariskals, Basildon, at around 1am this morning.

Police understand the woman may have got in to a silver car in Clay Hill Road near the Owl and the Pussycat pub sometime before the alleged offence occurred.

Investigations are continuing and the woman is being assisted by specially trained officers.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to contact the Rayleigh Sexual Offences Investigation Team on 101.