Woman reports raped in Asda car park at 4am as police launch manhunt for suspect

Essex Police has launched an appeal for witnesses following a horrendous incident where a woman reported that she was raped in the Asda car park in Basildon.

The attack reportedly took place at the bottom of the slope in the Asda car park at the Eastgate Centre, at around 4am on Sunday, September 22. Described as black, with a stocky build, sporting a shaven head and donned in a black top and trousers, the alleged attacker remains at large.

While the victim receives aid from specialist support, Essex’s Major Crime detectives are ardently pursuing leads to apprehend the perpetrator.

Detective Inspector Stewart Eastbrook weighed in emphatically: “Incidents like this are rare but I know this will cause concern for anyone who lives or works in the area and understand that concern. There will be an increased visible presence in the area and specialist detectives and staff are working tirelessly to identify the man responsible.”

DI Eastbrook urgently calls upon witnesses, beseeching: “I need anyone who was in the area between 4am and 8am on Sunday and saw a man matching this description to contact us. Please also check your dash cams if you have them.”, reports the Mirror.

Essex Police encourages the public to come forward with any pertinent information, CCTV, dash cam, or other relevant footage by referencing the crime report number 42/144747/24.

Reports can be filed on the Essex Police website, through the round-the-clock online Live Chat service, or anonymously via @Crimestoppers’ website or their hotline at 0800 555 111.