ESSEX Police are currently investigating a report of a sexual assault in Braintree.

The report was made shortly after 9am yesterday morning.

The incident involved a teenage girl, and took place near to a park off Goldingham Drive, where she was walking.

She is now being safeguarded by specialist officers.

Police presence was high yesterday in the area, and a cordon was kept in place throughout the night.

Officers with Essex Police are continuing to carry out their early investigations, with a highly visible policing presence still in the area throughout the day.

Essex Police have now launched a public appeal for anyone with dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage from Goldingham Drive, Park Drive, Thackery Close and Forsyth Drive areas between 8am and 9am yesterday morning to come forward.

Detective Inspector Kevin Hughes is leading the investigation.

He said:

"I understand there will be concern within the community as a result of this incident and my team are acutely aware of this too.

“Residents will have noticed a large policing presence in the area throughout today and that will continue throughout tonight and into tomorrow as we progress our enquiries.

“Our investigations are focused on the hour between 8am and 9am and I would appeal to anyone in the Goldingham Drive, Park Drive, Thackery Close and Forsyth Drive areas who has dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage available to come forward and speak to us if you have not already done so.”

Anyone with footage or information on the incident should call 101 and cite incident 263 of November 22.

You can also submit a report online using our live chat button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.

Information can also be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.