A WOMAN claims she was sexually assaulted at an organised rave at a Southend hotel.

The attack is alleged to have taken place at the Skylark Hotel in Aviation Way while 2,000 clubbers were partying.

Police were called to the venue at about 11.45pm on Saturday, following reports of a sexual assault. It is one of a number of club nights the hotel holds each year.

Hotel owner Andreas Stavrinides said: “They said an incident was being investigated and asked for my cooperation, which they had in full.

We have between 1,800 and 2,000 people at these events.

There are plenty of grounds, but I would say there would have been a minimum of 800 people within metres of what is alleged to have taken place.”

Rows have previously erupted between police and the hotel after officers ordered a review into the hotel’s licence based on concerns about the safety of revellers at club nights.

Speaking about the event, Mr Stavrinides added: “It is an extremely well organised event with good security and there were no other major incidents.

“It’s a social issue about how far the young generation go to satisfy their instincts.

“We have one of the best security companies with all the best equipment and CCTV”.

Anyone with information about the incident can call police on 101.