A community is coming together after reports of a "shocking and appalling" sexual assault on a teenage girl.
The arrest of a 26-year-old man follows an investigation into a report of rape in the Mount Road area of Braintree shortly after 8.50pm on Tuesday, April 14.
MP for Braintree, Sir James Cleverly, has taken to social media to offer his determination to ensure the people within his constituency feel safe.
In a statement, Mr Cleverly said: "The sexual assault on a teenage girl in Braintree is shocking and appalling. My thoughts are with the victim and her family.
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"Braintree should be a place where everyone is safe and feels safe.
"I know this incident will be distressing for the local community, and I have spoken with senior officers within Essex Police about this.
"I will continue to liaise closely with the police to ensure local people have appropriate information and get the reassurance they deserve."
He also spoke of rumours circulating regarding the man arrested.
He said: "Whilst it has been confirmed that the man arrested by Essex Police was not from the Wethersfield Asylum Centre or resident in Braintree, this incident will further diminish the sense of security for local people.
"I have demanded greater action from the government prior to this incident and will continue to do so. The safety of our community is non-negotiable.
"I have spoken about this incident with Alex Norris, the Home Office Minister, and made it clear that our local community has acted with great patience and restraint but have had enough.
"An arrest has been made and I will not make any statements or comments which might hamper a successful prosecution or are contrary to the wishes of the victim or her family."
The man arrested was subject to two custody extension applications and has now been released on bail with "strict conditions".
Police have confirmed he is not a resident of the Wethersfield asylum centre, nor is he a resident of the address where the offence occurred.
No one living at the address was involved.
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