A WOMAN was grabbed and sexually assaulted in an alleyway in Southend city centre after being followed by her attacker, police say.

The woman, in her 20s, was subjected to the terrifying assault at about 2pm on Monday before she was able to flee the scene. 

Essex Police has launched an investigation and is appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. 

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Matt Dent, Labour councillor responsible for the Kursaal ward, said: “It is incredibly concerning to hear this. My thoughts are with the victim.

“There is nothing to say other than how horrifying and completely unacceptable this is.

“I hope the perpetrator is caught promptly.

“I strongly urge anyone who knows anything about this to come forward immediately to the police.

“It is awful and just shocking.”

Martin Terry, Independent councillor responsible for public protection, added: “It is really concerning.

“I am glad Essex Police are dealing with this. I am sure they will be doing lots of background work on the incident. But hopefully anyone with information will come forward to the police too.

“Any criminality is not a nice thing. I hope the culprit is caught and I really hope the victim is OK.”

Essex Police say their enquires are ongoing.

A spokesman said: “We are investigating a sexual assault in Southend.

“It was reported a woman in her 20s was walking along an alleyway near the centre of Southend at around 2pm on Monday. 

“She reported a man followed her, tapped her on the shoulder, and then grabbed her and assaulted her before she was able to run off.

“An officer has been allocated to the investigation and our enquiries are ongoing.

“If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

“Please quote the crime reference number 42/64843/23.”

Alternatively, you can contact the independent crimefighting charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.