Two police crime scene cordons remain in place in Southend city centre this morning after a woman was attacked in the early hours of Sunday.
The cordons have been set up in Southchurch Road and nearby Lancaster Gardens, both close to the busy Queensway roundabout. Police officers were seen guarding the taped-off areas as investigations continued.
Essex Police confirmed that the incident happened shortly after 4am on Sunday 8 March at the junction of Sutton Road and Southchurch Road.
Emergency services were called after a woman was assaulted and left with head injuries.
A spokesperson for Essex Police said:
“We are investigating following an incident in Southend where a woman was assaulted.
“It happened at the junction of Sutton Road and Southchurch Road shortly after 4am on Sunday 8 March.
“A woman sustained injuries to her head and our enquiries are ongoing.”
Investigation underway
Officers have remained at the scene this morning while enquiries continue in the area surrounding the Queensway roundabout.
The junction where the incident happened is a key route linking Southchurch Road, Sutton Road and the Queensway roundabout, meaning it is often busy even in the early hours with taxis, delivery drivers and late-night traffic moving between the city centre and surrounding neighbourhoods.
Police have not yet confirmed the circumstances surrounding the assault, and have not confirmed whether any arrests have been made.
Police appeal for information
Essex Police are now appealing for anyone with information about the attack to come forward.
Investigators are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the area around the time of the incident or who may have captured footage that could assist their enquiries.
This includes CCTV, doorbell cameras, dash cam footage or any other recordings from the surrounding streets during the early hours of Sunday morning.
Anyone with information is asked to quote incident 179 of 8 March when contacting police.
Reports can be submitted through Essex Police’s online reporting service or by using the force’s 24-hour Live Chat system.
Those who wish to remain anonymous can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111.
Police say their investigation is ongoing.