Police are investigating after a young woman was raped in an alleyway on Friday evening.

The woman, in her 20s, reported being attacked by a man in the alley between Elizabeth Way and Ward Close, in the Somercotes Estate in Laindon.

The incident took place between 9.30 and 10.30pm on Friday night, and witnesses nearby reported seeing a large number of police vehicles and a cordon across the alleyway.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We are investigating after a woman reported being raped in Basildon.

"The victim, who is in her 20s, was attacked by a man in an alley between Elizabeth Way and Ward Close at some point between 9.30pm and 10.30pm on Friday, October 5.

"She is being supported by specialist officers."

Anyone with information should contact Essex Police on 101, quoting crime reference number 42/144714/18.

You can also share information with independent crimefighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.