Appeal for witnesses following Basildon sexual assault

Extra patrols are in place around Mopsies Park in Basildon following reports a woman was sexually assaulted.

The 18-year-old woman was walking along the footbridge from Broadmayne towards the entrance of the park about 6.55pm on Wednesday 25 November.

She saw a man ahead of her and walked past him, along a path leading to a row of houses. As she passed, he grabbed her and sexually assaulted her. She got away from him and called police.

Officers attended the scene and extra patrols were put in place. While they were carrying out enquiries, a 20-year-old woman reported she was jogging just outside the park entrance at about 6.35pm on Wednesday when a man tried to grab her but failed.

Detective Inspector Lisa Hurrell said:

“We are treating both incidents as linked and we have extra police in and around the park carrying out enquiries to identify this man.

“Both women described him to be a white man, possibly aged in his 30s, with a full, light coloured beard.

“We are progressing our investigation and officers are continuing to carry out patrols in the area and to speak to residents nearby.

“If anyone has seen a man matching the description of the suspect in the area over the past week, I’d ask them to please get in touch with us.

“We’re also keen to speak to any drivers who pass the park near Broadmayne as they may have seen him, or have dash cam footage.

“I’d ask residents to please remain vigilant and to speak to officers who are in patrol in the area, or to contact us online.”

Please submit any information online at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/4201020120P48-PO1

Information can also be given to independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or https://crimestoppers-uk.org