The hunt for a brutal sex fiend who burst into a woman's home and raped her has been stepped up.

Detectives have revealed they need help to trace a white van seen in the area at around the time the 42-year-old woman was assaulted.

However, they admit they have had a disappointing reaction to the likeness of the man - which was released last week.

Hardened officers were left shocked by the ferocity of the attack - they described it as "absolutely horrendous."

The victim was confronted by the man as she opened the front door of her home in Langland Close, Corringham, at 9am on July 2.

She was then pushed inside and subjected to an attack which lasted for 15 terrifying minutes.

Officers have been working around the clock to try and trace the fiend.

They now have a new lead after door-to-door inquiries in the area revealed a white Transit van with a motif on the side had been seen nearby either on the day of the incident or the day before.

Det Sgt Deirdre Nowell, of Essex Police's major incident team, said: "Information has been coming in slowly, in dribs and drabs, and so far there hasn't been much to jump up and down about.

"We would like to re-new our appeal for anyone who saw the van, or anything else, to contact us.

"This was a particularly nasty attack which has left the victim extremely traumatised."

The attacker was white, in his 30s and wore glasses. He was 5ft 9in tall, skinny and had black greying hair which was swept back and short at the back and sides.

He wore dark blue thick cotton trousers and a matching jacket.

If you can help call the incident room on 01206 762122.

Face of a sex fiend - an e-fit compiled from descriptions of the attacker

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