Detectives are hunting a sex attacker who targeted a 17-year-old girl near the Royals shopping centre in Southend.

The ground floor of the car park and a section of Church Road was cordoned off after the 17-year-old reported being attacked late on Wednesday night.

The girl was this morning being interviewed by detectives to ascertain the full extent of the assault in the car park at about 10.30pm.

In the meantime forensic teams carried out a search for evidence in the surrounding area.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "The 17-year-old was returning home after an evening out with friends in the town centre. The area near the shopping centre has been cordoned off to allow scenes of crime officers to carry out forensic tests."

Police are hoping to hear from any pedestrians or motorists who may have seen a man acting suspiciously with a woman between 10pm and midnight on or near Chancellor Road or Church Road last night.

The suspect is described as white, with dark brown or black spiky hair, wearing a black long-sleeved shirt, black jeans, dark shoes and aged about 25 to 26. Any witnesses should call Leigh CID on 01702 423169.