A WOMAN who claimed she was raped in Southend has withdrawn her police statment.

The 20 year-old woman, who lives locally, alleged she was sexually assaulted in Warrior Square in the early hours of Saturday.

She reported the incident to police 24 hours later.

Warrior Square was cordoned off from 12.30am Sunday whilst forensic officers carried out initial investigations.

The police cordon was expected to remain in place until Sunday evening or Monday morning but has now been removed after the woman detracted her claims during an interview with detectives.