A MAN has been arrested after a woman was sexually assaulted in Chalkwell Park, Westcliff, this morning.

One of the children's play areas towards the back of the park has been cordoned off and police are manning the scene.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We were called to reports a woman had been sexually assaulted in Chalkwell Park shortly before 6.10am today.

"A 29 year-old man has been arrested and is currently in custody.

"If you have any information please call us on 101 quoting incident 104 of 2 April or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

A mother who was in the park with her young child this morning said: "This is just awful.

"It's bad enough having to deal with this pandemic and all the new measures we are having to follow.

"It's worrying to feel you can't just go for a bit of fresh air through the park without being assaulted.

"I don't have a garden and live close to the park so the only way we are getting some fresh air and excercise at the moment is by walking to the park. 

"It's made me think twice now about going there."