POLICE have launched an investigation after a woman was raped.

Officers were called at 9.50pm on Tuesday and a woman said she had been in conversation with a man who then raped her in Trinity Square, Colchester.

She is now being supported by specialist officers.

The road has been cordoned off by police all day.

A 28-year-old man from Chelmsford was arrested on suspicion of rape at around 1am today and he remains in custody.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We would like to hear from anyone who has information to call Colchester police station on 101 quoting crime reference 42/168763/19 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."