Police renew rape appeal

POLICE in Clacton last night renewed their appeal to the public for help in tracing a rapist who struck in the resort.A woman, in her 40s, who has not been named but lived in the area, was walking home alone early Friday morning after a night out when she was attacked.

POLICE in Clacton last night renewed their appeal to the public for help in tracing a rapist who struck in the resort.

A woman, in her 40s, who has not been named but lived in the area, was walking home alone early Friday morning after a night out when she was attacked.

The incident happened in Hayes Road at the junction with Alexander Road at about 2.30am.

Officers have now taken a statement from the victim and spent the weekend carrying our inquiries.

Last night a police spokesman said: “Tendring officers have been trying to gather as much information and find any potential witnesses. We would urge anyone who saw or heard anything in Hayes Road that morning to come forward.”

The woman escaped with minor external injuries and did not need hospital treatment. As soon as she reported the attack, she was taken to an Essex Police sympathy suite at an undisclosed location where she received an initial medical examination

Last week Det Insp Phil Jewell, of Tendring CID said: “This man is still at large and I would advise members of the public to take all possible sensible precautions. The woman is obviously distressed as it has been quite a traumatic experience for her.”

The rapist is described as white, in his late 20s, 5ft 11ins tall, clean-shaven with short dark hair. He was wearing a light-coloured shirt at the time of the attack.

Anyone with any information should call Clacton Police on 01255 221312 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.