Police say dog walkers could hold the key to helping detectives after a woman was raped while walking through a field.

Officers have been continuing their investigations into the incident, which took place close to Windmill Road, Halstead, on Tuesday, April 10.

A manhunt was launched following the daylight attack which saw a man, believed to be in his twenties, attack and rape the victim, who is also in her twenties, at round 2pm.

Some residents living nearby have been able to offer some assistance to Essex Police, however detectives are asking for others to come forward to help with enquiries.

A spokesman said: “We have carried out our house to house enquires in the area and have reviewed CCTV within the vicinity.

“We have had a number of people come forward with information and CCTV and we would like to thank them for their assistance.

“We understand that the fields off Windmill Road are regularly used, especially by dog walkers, and we are keen to hear from them.”

The incident was reported to police via a third party.

Detectives are searching for a white man who has been described as skinny and about 6ft.

He was wearing a black hooded top, which was up, and black tracksuit bottoms.

One resident on Windmill Road admitted they and fellow neighbours had concerns about walking in the area.

They said: “It’s awful to think it happened so close to home.There are lots of people who use the fields to walk their dogs. I think people are nervous about going out alone and this only adds to it.

“I know of a few people who have said they won’t go over to the fields anymore.”

Town mayor Shirley Diver added: “It’s terrible. Like many people I walk my dog up in those fields and it can be a beautiful spot so it’s a shock to think it happened there.

“I have seen a lot more of a police presence in the town since it happened which is reassuring for the public.

“It’s not something that happens in Halstead very often so it’s important not to panic but people do just need to be aware when they are out of whose around them.”

Call the Serious Crime Directorate on 101 quoting incident 1179 or 11/04 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.