A WOMAN was sexually assaulted after a man broke into her flat in the early hours of the morning.

Police were contacted shortly after 4am on Thursday with reports a man had forced entry to a flat in the area of Marsh Crescent and the High Street in Rowhedge.

A woman inside reported she had been sexually assaulted.

She is now being supported by specialist officers.

Nothing is believed to have been stolen during the incident.

A police spokesman said: "Officers are carrying out enquiries and are keen to speak to anyone who saw a man acting suspiciously in the area at the time of the incident, or has any CCTV footage."

Contact the North Major Crime Team on 101 or email scd.appeals.essex@essex.pnn.police.uk Alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org