Waltham Abbey: Arrest made in rape investigation

We are no longer looking to identify a man we wanted to speak to in connection with reports of a serious sexual assault in Waltham Abbey.

Our Serious Crime Directorate is investigating the incident, which is reported to have taken place at around 8pm on Thursday 5 June.

A 26-year-old man, from Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, has been arrested on suspicion of rape.

He remains in custody for questioning.

Detectives investigating reports of a serious sexual assault in Waltham Abbey are releasing an image of a man they need to speak to.

Our Serious Crime Directorate is investigating the assault, which is reported to have taken place at around 8pm on Thursday 5 June.

It was reported a man had offered to help a woman carry her shopping to her flat, in the area of Winters Way.

Once at the door to the flat, the man reportedly made his way inside before assaulting her.

Our officers have ensured specialist support is in place for the woman concerned and a number of enquiries are underway.

This work has included an increased policing presence and strengthened patrols in the area.

Anyone with information should contact us as soon as possible.

You can let us know by submitting a report online or by using our Live Chat service. 

Our Live Chat service is available on our website 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can send and receive real-time messages with an online operator.

To use the service, select the ‘Live Chat’ icon at the bottom right of your screen when you're on our website.

Or you can call us on 101.

Visit our 'Help Us Help You' page to find out more about different ways of reporting.

Synergy Essex offers independent and specialised services for individuals who have experienced rape or sexual abuse in Essex.

Synergy Essex is a partnership of three services; Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse (CARA), SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service, and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis).

The services provided by Synergy Essex are independent of the police. This ensures individuals can seek help whether they choose to report the incident or not. This could be in relation to something that happened recently or in the past.

Survivors and victims can access support by reaching out on their own or through a referral from someone they trust. This could be a family member, friend, or professional.

At Synergy Essex, people of all ages can benefit from specialised emotional support. This includes counselling and advocacy.

For those pursuing legal action, they offer the help of an Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA). The advisers can guide and support them through the criminal justice process.

To learn more about the services available, please visit the Synergy Essex website.