A TEENAGE girl sexually assaulted in a Southend car park could have had her drinks spiked.

It is believed the girl's drinks were spiked while she partied with friends in the Varsity club, in Chichester Road.

The attack, which involved at least one man, took place in an underground car park off Leather Lane, between 1am and 2.30am on Saturday.

The girl is recovering at her Benfleet home.

Police carried out forensic tests at the crime scene and an area of the car park was still cordoned off yesterday.

Detectives are appealing for information and are asking nightclubbers to come forward if they saw anything suspicious in or around the car park.

Det Insp Morgan Cronin said: “This was an appalling attack on a teenage girl enjoying a night out in Southend. We want to hear from any witnesses who saw anything in that area involving a man and a girl, or several men and a girl.”

Liz Wheatley, 19, of Little Wakering Road, Southend, who regularly drinks in Varsity bar, said she was shocked to hear about the incident.

She said: “It just shows you can’t leave your drink anywhere.”

Anyone with information about the attack should contact Det Insp Cronin at Southend CID on 0300 3334444.

l Two men from the Southend area were arrested in connection with the incident. They have been released on bail until September 22 pending further enquiries.