POLICE have launched an investigation after a woman was reportedly raped in the toilet of a casino in Southend.

Essex Police have launched the investigation after reports the 39-year-old victim was raped by a man in a toilet cubicle of the Rendezvous Casino, Eastern Esplanade.

The incident is believed to have taken place between 3.25am and 3.45am today, Sunday February 4.

Martin Richardson, the owner of the Happidrome on Marine Parade said that he had seen around four police cars outside the casino this morning as he arrived at his arcade.

He said: "I had a customer come in and said they were in the casino last night where they said a lady had been raped in the toilets.

"They told me they left just as police were coming.

"As I was coming into the arcade, I saw four police cars, I did not think much of it at first, but then I thought maybe something had happened.

"When I spoke to the customer I was sickened."

The female victim is being supported by specialist officers.

Enquiries into the incident which happened in the middle of the night are ongoing.

Following reports of the incident, the Echo contacted the casino for comment, however, they declined.

Essex Police have requested that anyone with information is asked to call the Adult Sexual Abuse Investigation Team at Southend on 101 quoting reference 42/16421/18.

They can also report any information online here.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by clicking here.