A MAN has appeared in court accused of attempting to rape a woman in the early hours of the morning.

Essex Police officers were called to Milton Road, Westcliff, at about 1.25am on Monday to reports a woman had been sexually assaulted.

On Twitter, Insp Ian Hughes, of Southend Community Policing team, described the incident as “terrifying” for the alleged victim and said his officers were quick to respond to the call.

Officers attended the scene and tended to the woman before a suspect was arrested nearby.

A man has now been charged in connection with the incident.

Ivan Laksar, 45, of Ashingdon Road, Rochford, has been charged with attempted rape.

Laksar appeared in the dock at Southend Magistrates’ Court, in Victoria Avenue, yesterday afternoon.

No plea was entered and Laksar spoke only to confirm his name, nationality and address.

The bench declined jurisdiction of the case and it was referred to Basildon Crown Court.

He was remanded into custody and will next appear at Basildon Crown Court on September 3.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Essex Police on 101.

Alternatively, contact independent crimefighting charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111.

You can also share information online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online