Woman raped at bottom of Asda car park slope in 4am attack as Essex Police launch major manhunt

Essex Police officers investigating the incident have yet to make any arrests, the man is described as black, stocky build, shaven head, and wearing a black top and trousers

Essex Police are appealing for information after a woman reported she had been raped in an Asda car park in Basildon.

The woman reported being assaulted at the bottom of the slope in the Asda car park at the Eastgate Centre at around 4am on Sunday, September 22. The man is described by police as black, stocky build, shaven head, and wearing a black top and trousers.

The woman is being supported by specialist officers and agencies and detectives from our Major Crime team are investigating.

Detective Inspector Stewart Eastbrook said: “Incidents like this are rare but I know this will cause concern for anyone who lives or works in the area and understand that concern. There will be an increased visible presence in the area and specialist detectives and staff are working tirelessly to identify the man responsible.

“I need anyone who was in the area between 4am and 8am on Sunday and saw a man matching this description to contact us. Please also check your dash cams if you have them.”

If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then you can report it to Essex Police quoting the crime reference number 42/144747/24.

You can submit a report on the Essex Police website or by using the online Live Chat service which is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity @Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.