Police are keeping "an open mind" about whether the Felmores rapist has struck again after a teenager was indecently assaulted.

The 18-year-old was wrestled to the ground and attacked as she walked through Northlands Park, in Felmores, Basildon.

A man stopped her to ask the time, then pulled her down close to the lakes. He managed to assault her, but ran off when she began screaming.

Det Sgt John Moran, from Basildon CID, is leading the hunt for the man. He said: "We are keeping an open mind about whether this attack is linked to the rape because it is a very similar location.

"It was a nasty attack because the woman was dragged to the ground. She did a good job in fighting him off and screaming, which is what stopped the attack.

"We are appealing for witnesses. There were fishermen around the lake and a woman riding a horse, so we would like to talk to them."

The attacker was white, aged between 18-20 and 5ft 10ins to 6ft with fair, possibly light brown, short hair. He wore a short-sleeved bright red Aertex shirt.

Any information about the attack at 4.50pm on Monday, should be passed on to Det Sgt Moran on 01268 532212.

An incident room has now been set up at Pitsea police station to investigate the rape of the 16-year-old girl in Felmores at 12.30am on Saturday. She was dragged into a copse close to Malyons Green and attacked during a horrific ten-minute ordeal.

The rapist had two pals who waited close by while he carried out the attack. They followed the youngster for five minutes as she stumbled along dark alleyways and paths desperately trying to find help.

The incident room number is 01268 581747. Officers would particularly like to hear from residents who may have seen the girl or three men. The rapist was white, aged between 18 and his early 20s and 5ft 7ins with cropped blond hair. He wore a blue Nike T-shirt with a tick logo on it.

You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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