High Beech: Appeal following serious sexual assault

Officers investigating a serious sexual assault, which took place in High Beech on New Years Eve are appealing for the public’s help.

We were called to Pauls Nursery Road in High Beech at around 10pm on 31 December following reports of a woman being seriously sexually assaulted.

Officers attended quickly and a scene was put in place.

An investigation by our Serious Crime Directorate remains ongoing and the victim is continuing to receive support from specialist officers and our partner agencies. 

This weekend, officers have been carrying out enquiries and search activity in the area.

Detective Inspector James Holmes from our Serious Crime Directorate said “This is a complex investigation, but we are working quickly to determine what has happened and support the victim in this case.

“Our officers have been in the area across the weekend, to carry out multiple enquiries, including speaking to road users who may have been in the area at the time. Around 60 cars driving through the area were stopped, to ask whether they had witnessed anything suspicious in the area.

“One of the lines of enquiry we are following is that prior to the assault, the victim pulled over her car due to the suspects flashing their lights in the car behind her, indicating that something was wrong. We appreciate that this is concerning, but we are asking for anyone who may have witnessed a similar incident around that area to contact us.

“In addition to this, we understand that the area is wooded and is a popular walking spot so asking anyone with any information to contact us.”

If you have any information, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

A Major Incident Public Portal link has been set up as a way for the public to submit information: Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)

Please quote incident 1088 of 31 December.

You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

Visit our website to find out more about our website reporting services.

If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity @Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.

Support is there for anyone affected by rape and sexual abuse, and no victim or survivor is alone. Synergy Essex provides specialist support for victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse of all ages and all genders across Essex, Thurrock and Southend.

Synergy Essex is a partnership of rape and sexual abuse centres in Essex: CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse), SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis). Synergy Essex is independent from the police and provides support for victims and survivors throughout their journey.  

Victims and survivors can self-refer, or be referred by a parent, partner, friend or professional and can access specialist emotional support, counselling and advocacy.  For victims and survivors who report to the police, Synergy Essex provides an Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) service, providing support throughout the criminal justice process.  

For more information visit the Synergy Essex website: https://synergyessex.org.uk/