Police are tracing a potential witness who may have information on a rape case.

Authorities are investigating a report where a woman, aged in her 40s, was raped in the York Road area on the evening of Thursday, October 26.

The potential witness was seen in the area at 10.10pm that evening.

He had walked from York Road to Southend Central train station.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We are also still trying to trace another potential witness who was seen crossing the Queensway dual carriageway just before 9.50pm that day.

"He wore light coloured jeans, a white top and a dark jacket.

"He was walking in the direction of Southend town centre at the same time a man and a woman were crossing the road and walking in the opposite direction.

"We ask both men to please contact the Adult Sexual Abuse Investigation Team at Southend on 101."

Collin Gibson, 26, unemployed, of East Street, Southend, was charged with rape and a burglary on October 26 and possession of cannabis on November 3.

He denied the rape and burglary charges and is due to stand trial at Basildon Crown Court on April 23.