A man has been arrested by police investigating an alleged attempted rape in Witham in north-east Essex.

A woman, aged in her 20s, was walking in an alleyway near Bramble Road when a man allegedly attempted to rape her, Essex Police said.

He allegedly approached her from behind before physically assaulting her. During the alleged incident, she was able to fight him off and the man ran off in the direction of the park next to Bramble Road, police said.

The alleged incident took place at around 8.45am on Wednesday (January 3).

The woman has been safeguarded and is being supported by specialist officers, a force spokesman said.

A 23-year-old man from Witham has been arrested on suspicion of attempted rape and remains in police custody for questioning, Essex Police said last night.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Essex Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.