Basildon: Arrest as part of ongoing rape investigation

Specialist detectives investigating a rape in Basildon over the weekend have made an arrest this evening.

A woman reported being assaulted at the bottom of the slope in the Asda car park at the Eastgate Centre at around 4am on Sunday, 22 September.

Officers and staff from our Major Crime team have carried out multiple enquiries over the past two days and this evening (24 September), a man was arrested on suspicion of rape.

The 34-year-old man remains in custody.

Detective Inspector Stewart Eastbrook, who is leading the investigation, said: “We have acted quickly following this report and our specialist officers and partners continue to support the victim.

“I know this incident will worry you if you live or work in the area or if you regularly use that part of town.

“We continue our enquiries and would like to thank those who have contacted us so far with information.

“If you were in the area between 4am and 8am and you saw anything please contact my team.

“If you have a dash cam, please check it – you may have caught something on there which could be important to our investigation.”

DI Eastbrook added: “We are aware of posts on social media reporting an incident earlier in the night where two women were followed.

“We are currently working to establish the details of that incident and the circumstances around it.”

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

Please quote the crime reference number 42/144747/24.

You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service which is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.

Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our online 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.

 

We are appealing for information after a woman reported she had been raped in Basildon.

A woman reported being assaulted at the bottom of the slope in the Asda car park at the Eastgate Centre at around 4am yesterday (Sunday 22 September).

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

The woman is being supported by specialist officers and agencies and detectives from our Major Crime team are investigating.

Detective Inspector Stewart Eastbrook said:

“Incidents like this are rare but I know this will cause concern for anyone who lives or works in the area and understand that concern.

“There will be an increased visible presence in the area and specialist detectives and staff are working tirelessly to identify the man responsible.

“I need anyone who was in the area between 4am and 8am on Sunday and saw a man matching this description to contact us.

“Please also check your dash cams if you have them.”

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

Please quote the crime reference number 42/144747/24.

You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service which is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.

Visit our website to find out more about our online 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.

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