DETECTIVES are looking to trace two men who they believe could be key witnesses in their hunt for a rapist who struck in the precincts of an Essex cathedral.

Roddy Ashworth

DETECTIVES are looking to trace two men who they believe could be key witnesses in their hunt for a rapist who struck in the precincts of an Essex cathedral.

A woman walked into the town's police station in the early hours of Sunday to report that she had been raped shortly before 2am at Chelmsford Cathedral.

The 31-year-old woman, who lives in Witham, had been at Dukes Genesis nightclub on Duke Street when she left and was attacked by a man in the cathedral grounds.

There was one man in the nightclub car park who spoke to the couple shortly before 1.30am, making a specific comment to the woman which suggested to her that he knew the attacker.

There is a second man who saw the couple together on the ground next to the cathedral approximately 20 minutes later and who shouted at them.

Detective Inspector Richard Thomas said: “The victim is now recovering at home, but continuing to be supported by a specialist officer as she continues to help detectives piece together the events from the early hours of Sunday morning.

“We're looking to speak with any late-night revellers who were either in the nightclub and who recognise this man from the description or anyone who saw or heard the attack.

“Indeed, the man himself is advised to also contact us.”

The assailant is described as white, of muscular build, aged in his early 30s, has brown spiky hair and was wearing a shirt with numbers on it.

Anyone with information in connection with this rape is urged to contact detectives at Chelmsford police station on 0300 333 4444.

Calls can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.