DETECTI(VES investigating a sexual assault in Purfleet-on-Thames have charged a man.

It was reported a woman was approached from behind and attacked in the area of London Road, near the waterfront, at around 10.25pm on Saturday ,24 August.

The Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate have been investigated and arrested a man on Friday (30 August).

Thirty-year-old Marian Canuci, of Saladin Drive, Purfleet, has now been charged with assault by penetration and sexual assault.

He is due to appear at Southend Magistrates' Court today (Monday, 2 September).

Police have issued an appeal in relation to the assault, saying: "If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

"Please quote the crime reference number 42/129942/24.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website where you can use our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

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"Visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.