Investigation At Nightclub: Man Wanted In Connection With Alledged Rape

Detectives investigating an allegation of rape against a woman in a Basildon nightclub are looking to speak to two women as well as urging a man who is possibly from Harlow to come forward.

The 18-year-old woman has reported she was sexually assaulted in a seating area behind the DJ stand between 1-2am on Sunday, June 30 inside Liquid, at the Festival Leisure Park.

Senior Investigating Officer, DI Chris Bradford, said: “Since this incident occurred, we have been carrying out a wide range of enquiries, including detailed forensic examinations and a review of hours of CCTV footage from inside and outside the nightclub.

“We have also been working closely with the victim to build up a clear picture of what happened to her in the early hours of that Sunday morning as well as establishing the circumstances leading up to the assault.

“We are now in a position to appeal for three sets of key individuals to come forward. Firstly, we would naturally like to speak to those people who recall seeing this woman being sexually assaulted in the seating area.

“After this, she is seen walking to the toilets where she is then seen in some distress. She is helped by two women so our second appeal goes out to this pair who may have been told information that helps our investigation.

“Thirdly, and equally importantly, we would like this man to come forward of his own accord and provide us with his account of what happened that morning.”

The man is believed to have travelled down from Harlow for an evening out in Basildon. He is white, is of slim build and is thought to be aged in his early 20s and approximately 5ft 11ins tall. At the time, he was wearing a blue checked-shirt, skinny jeans and was wearing thick, dark-rimmed spectacles.

Anyone with information in connection with this rape allegation is urged to contact detectives at Rayleigh’s Sexual Offences Investigation Team on 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or email the incident room at [email protected]