THE family of a woman who was raped in a late-night attack have spoken out to make people aware of what happened.

The victim’s aunt and father have told the Echo they have been left frustrated by the lack of support from Essex Police.

They say the force has not been in touch since the incident, which took place near the Odeon Cinema in Southend on Sunday, November 12, at about 4am.

The 18-year-old woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was out in Southend when she got separated from friends towards the end of the night.

Her aunt said: “She had had quite a lot to drink and was walking off on her own when she became aware someone was following her.

“She tried ringing friends for help and one of them answered but didn’t find her until it was too late. The man dragged her into the underpass at the top of the High Street near the Odeon and raped her twice.

“After it happened, she made her way back to the High Street and other people found her and called the police. She doesn’t normally walk home alone. This was a one off – the biggest mistake of her life.

“But we don’t want it to happen to anyone else.”

The family feel the police have neglected the victim since the attack.

Her aunt added: “We have not heard from them since it happened. Apparently the investigating officer is on rest days.

“The last thing she needs is to feel neglected by the police with everything she is going through.

“She has an appointment with the rape crisis team next week but as of today we have heard nothing about the investigation. There is CCTV in that area and there were good descriptions of the man who did it.”

Police have confirmed they have launched a rape investigation.

The spokesman said: “We are investigating an allegation that a woman had been raped in an underpass near the Odeon cinema in the early hours of Sunday, November 12. She is being supported by specialist officers. Enquiries are ongoing.”

The victim’s father has said that waiting to hear from them is causing the family more distress.

He added: “It’s very frustrating as a parent knowing nothing is being done.

“The only help she has had has been from the rape crisis team and even they seemed disgusted. She is not doing well at all.”

The family are keen to make people aware in the hope that it could prevent another young woman from being attacked.