Scotland Yard detectives have taken over the investigation into the drug rape of a young woman who was abducted from a Basildon nightclub.

They were today studying CCTV footage to try and pinpoint exactly what happened to the teenager once she lost consciousness and was taken from the nightspot.

The 19-year-old Thurrock girl - who cannot be named for legal reasons - went to the Ikon nightclub on the Festival Leisure Park in Cranes Farm Road on Sunday night. She later told police she had had a drink before blacking out.

It is believed her drink was spiked with some form of drug.

She has been unable to account for the rest of the night until waking at 3am the following morning at an undisclosed address in Stratford, east London.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police at Stratford CID have now taken over the case from Basildon police because it is believed she was raped in their jurisdiction - but are in close contact with local CID officers to benefit from their knowledge.

CCTV footage has been collected in an effort to identify the last movements of the girl before she left the Leisure Park.

The girl was initially treated at Basildon Hospital before being taken to a rape suite at Hadleigh police station where she was interviewed and examined by specially trained officers.

It is hoped a description of a potential suspect will be made available later this week.

Anyone with information should contact Det Sgt Liam Osborne, on 01268 532212.

Published Wednesday, April 30, 2003

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