A 14-year-old girl was allegedly raped at a south Essex train station in the early hours of the morning.

West Horndon station was closed to passengers this morning following what rail firm c2c described as a “police incident”.

British Transport Police has confirmed it was called to the station shortly before 1am today (Monday March, 6) to reports a girl, 14, had been raped.

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An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and rape.

The station was closed while police undertook forensic work.

It has since reopened.

A BTP spokesman said: “Officers were called to West Horndon station shortly before 1am following a report that a 14-year-old girl had been raped.

“An 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and rape, and the station was closed to allow forensic enquiries to take place. 

“The station has now reopened and detectives continue to investigate what happened.”