A man has been arrested in a Basildon park in connection with a rape.

Police officers surrounded Northlands Park early this morning, after being called at 5.50am to an address in Chester Way.

The man police were looking to speak to had left the address and officers searched the area with the assistance of the dog unit.

He was located at Northlands Park and arrested on suspicion of rape, and remains in custody for questioning.

Witnesses at the scene described the park being surrounded by officers, who also blocked off the car park.