POLICE are investigating after a woman was raped in a town centre car park in broad daylight.

The victim was attacked in St John’s car park in Southway, Colchester, at around 4.30pm last Friday.

The suspect is described as black, with short hair and wearing a black coat and jeans.

He told the victim he was from California and in his 30s.

Officers have stepped up patrols as a result of the attack.

Det Chief Ins Julie Gowen, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “This was a really nasty assault and we need to find the person responsible.

“The victim has been supported by specialist officers and given access to specialist charities and organisations to support her.

“At this stage there is no indication that the victim knew her attacker.

“A dedicated team of experienced detectives are working hard to identify the man involved and have already carried out extensive enquiries.

“If you have any information about the incident I need you contact my team.”

If you saw anything, recognise the description of the man, have any CCTV or dash cam footage, or any other information, call 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/62437/20.

Alternatively if you don’t want to call the police you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.