A MAN has been arrested following a sexual assault on Southend's seafront earlier this week.

Officers were called to Adventure Island at around 3pm on Thursday, June 1, following reports of an 11-year-old girl being sexually assaulted whilst on a ride at the amusement park.

The suspect was described as a white man, in his late 50s, with short, grey hair and wearing a green t-shirt and sunglasses.

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Investigating officers from Southend Criminal Investigation Department have arrested a 57-year-old man from Chelmsford in connection with this investigation.

He has since been released on bail, with support from specialist officers whilst enquiries continue.

A spokesman from Essex Police said: "We are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this assault or have any further information to contact us.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services.

"Alternatively you can call us on 101.

"In an emergency always call 999.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.

"Please quote incident 42/98038/23 when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible."