A TEENAGE student has been sexually assaulted just days into her first term at Essex University.

An investigation has been launched after the 18-year-old told police she was attacked as she left a nightclub on the Wivenhoe campus.

Detectives have appealed for information from witnesses to the assault.

Det Insp Steve Jennings urged revellers to be on their guard as thousands of students join in freshers’ week to welcome first year undergraduates to the campus.

He said: “Although this was a rare incident, we’d ask that all students look out for each other and report any suspicious behaviour immediately.

“The victim, a student, is coping well and has family and friends nearby. She is also being well supported by specially-trained police officers.”

The victim was set upon as she walked down a path at the back of a lecture theatre on Thursday at about 2am.

Police want help from any witnesses who may have seen a man in the area.

The attacker is described as in his twenties, dark skinned, about 5ft 8ins and of a medium to muscular build. He has dark, short hair.

A woman, aged 26, was sexually assaulted by two men in the Essex University car park after a club night in February this year.

Another incident saw a student, 22, grabbed from behind and assaulted while she walked through woodland, off Boundary Road, in December last year.

A university spokesman backed the call for party-goers to take precautions to stay safe.

She said: “Assaults of this nature are extremely rare on campus and the university is generally a safe place to live and study.

“We work closely with the police to ensure it remains so.

“However, we would like to remind all students of the importance of looking after their own personal safety.”

Anyone with information that could be relevant to the latest attack, or who noticed anything unusual, can call Mr Jennings or his colleagues at Colchester CID on 0300 333444 or can call Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555111.