A WOMAN was raped in woods near to Thurrock Yacht Club just two weeks after a similar assault in the area – and police have not ruled out a link.

A woman in her 30s was attacked near the yacht club in Thames Road, Grays, at about 7.10pm on Sunday.

In the time leading up to the assault the victim had been walking along the sea wall. Now, police need anyone who was in that area at the time to come forward.

A 47 year-old man, from Purfleet, was arrested a short time later on suspicion of rape. He is in custody.

The incident comes just weeks after emergency services descended on the town centre on September 16 after reports a woman, aged in her 30s, was approached and followed by a man.

She told how she was followed down to Kilvert Wharf, where she was attacked just before 3.10pm.

A member of the public intervened and the man ran off in the direction of Argent Street.

Essex Police have not ruled out that the two incidents could be linked, but emphasised that both investigations are at very early stages.

A 47-year-old man was also arrested in relation to the Kilvert Wharf attack, but no charges have been brought in relation to either attack.

Essex Police have issued an urgent appeal for information, encouraging anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious in the area to come forward.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We are investigating following an incident in Grays where a woman was raped.

“The victim, a woman in her 30s, was assaulted in a wooded area near the yacht club in Thames Road. A 47-year-old man from Purfleet was arrested a short time later on suspicion of rape and is currently in custody.

“The victim is being supported by specialist officers.

“In the time before the assault took place the victim had been walking along the sea wall and we need anyone who was in that area at the time to come forward to speak to us.

“If you saw or heard anything, have CCTV, were driving in the area and have dashcam footage or any other information please call us on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/141931/18. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Or to report information anonymously online to the dedicated crime fighting charity, Crimestoppers, visit https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously