Detectives investigating the rape of a young woman in Maldon have today made a renewed appeal for witnesses.

On Saturday, January 24, a woman aged in her 20s from the local area was walking away from the Fullbridge Tesco store near the underpass at Mill Lane when she was grabbed by two men, dragged in to bushes and raped.

The attack happened between 5.45pm and 6.15pm.

The first suspect who carried out the assault and subject of the efit image released last week, was of Asian appearance, 25 to 30-years-old, 5ft 10in to 6ft tall, with stubble on his face.

He wore a Superdry jacket which had a green logo.

The second man was slightly taller than the first, and wore a black coat and hooded top with the hood up.

DCI Simon Werrett, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “We are still looking to speak to a number of people who were in the area at the time who may have seen something.

“We would particularly like to speak to two white men in their late teens who were sat down by a hut in the park and two young women who were walking together towards the bridge.

“One woman is described as having red/brown hair and the other woman wore a brown jacket.

“We would also like to speak to a woman who was walking a small black and white terrier or Jack Russell type dog.

“She is described as white, between 30 and 40-years-old, slim and tall and was wearing a long black and white coat.”

Two men who had been originally arrested in connection with the investigation were released without charge.

A third man, arrested on February 5, aged 24 and from Maldon, has also been released without charge in connection with this incident.

Anyone with information is asked to call Major Investigation Team Detectives on 01206 576845, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or email scdappeals@essex.pnn.police.uk