Teenage girl sexually assaulted in alleyway

Essex Police says patrols will continue into next week in the area

Police are appealing for information after a teenage girl reported being sexually assaulted in an alleyway.

The victim said she was walking between Melbourne Road and Thomas Road in Clacton-on-Sea at about 18:00 GMT on Saturday when a man approached her from behind, grabbed her and sexually assaulted her over her clothing.

The man allegedly then fled the scene.

Essex Police said high visibility patrols would continue in the area into next week.

Det Sgt Jonathan Loudon said: "The victim is understandably shaken, but described the man as white, wearing all black and a balaclava and said he had a deep, raspy voice.

"We are mainly looking to hear from anyone who may have been in the vicinity of the area at the time, for example dog walkers or delivery drivers."