FORENSICS tents have been spotted at a popular open space in Colchester as police investigate reports of a sexual assault.

Essex Police officers were called to Abbey Field at about 5.20am on Wednesday morning.

The victim, a man in his 30s, reported being sexually assaulted in the area.

Residents spotted a police cordon in place on the southern part of Abbey Field, off Circular Road South, from the early hours this morning into this afternoon.

Forensics tents were also spotted in the area.

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A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We are investigating a report of a sexual assault in Abbeyfield, Colchester, which was reported to us shortly after 5.20am this morning.

"The victim, a man aged in his 30s, is now being safeguarded by specialist officers.

"No arrests have been made and our enquiries are ongoing.

"Anyone with information on the incident or the circumstances leading up to it should submit a report online at www.essex.police.uk or use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.

"You can also call us on 101.

"Please cite incident 124 of August 4."