Basildon: Arrest within 45 mins of sexual assault

Quick acting officers have made an arrest less than 45 minutes after a woman was sexually assaulted in Basildon town centre.

It was reported a man touched a woman’s bottom inside the Eastgate Centre at 11am today (Thursday 15 August).

When officers from the Basildon Town Centre Team had a description of the man they worked with the centre’s CCTV team to identify a suspect.

Shortly after 11.40am a 68 year-old man from Basildon was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and is currently in custody.

Chief Inspector Dan McHugh, District Commander for Basildon, said:

“We are committed to keeping you safe as you go about your business in the town centre.

“My officers worked quickly to identify and locate a suspect and someone is in custody as a result.”

Chief Insp McHugh added:

“We now have a physical presence inside the Eastgate Centre following the opening of the Community Hub last month, which we share with partners and local charities.

“We want to be able to be visible and connect with the local community and it helps deter crime and respond to incidents.”

You can read more about the hub on our website.

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