Officers are investigating reports that a woman was sexually assaulted in Colchester in the early hours of this morning, Essex Police have said.

Police said they were called to reports of a “serious” sexual assault in Layer Road at around 3.30am.

The woman was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Officers have launched an investigation and have urged witnesses to come forward.

A police cordon was put in place in an area of Layer Road on Sunday morning.

A spokesman for Essex Police said on Sunday morning: “Police are investigating reports of a serious sexual assault in Layer Road, Colchester.

“A woman was taken to hospital with minor injuries at 3.30am on Sunday, October 1.

“Investigations are ongoing. If you witnessed anything around this time in this area, please call 101, quoting incident 186 of October 1.”