Detectives investigating reports of sexual offences that are alleged to have happened between October 1978 and February 1983 in Basildon have questioned a suspect.

As part of the probe, a former ice cream van owner, a 79-year-old man from Colchester, has been voluntarily interviewed on suspicion of attempted rape.

Essex Police has released no further details and a police spokesman said inquiries were ongoing.

Anyone with information that can help with this investigation is asked to contact Pc Leigh Valentine at Basildon Police station on 101.

Alternatively, contact independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.