A teenage boy was today still being questioned by police over allegations of two sex assaults - one on a Basildon pensioner and a second on a 31-year-old woman on a train between Tilbury and Grays stations.

The 16-year-old youth from Thurrock has been held at Basildon police station since his arrest on Friday evening in Grays.

Magistrates yesterday granted police a 36-hour extension, until 8.30pm tonight to continue questioning the teenager.

At about 6pm on Friday night a 70-year-old woman was allegedly attacked as she walked along Cherrydown West, Basildon.

The pensioner was taken to Basildon Hospital where she was treated for facial injuries and shock.

The second incident is alleged to have taken place on a train between Tilbury and Grays 45 minutes later.

A 31-year-old woman, who had boarded the train at Standford-le-Hope at 6pm, was treated for shock. However, she did not require hospital treatment.

Witnesses to the two incidents are asked to contact Basildon CID on 01268 532212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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