Police hunt rapist after student attack

DETECTIVES are hunting a rapist who subjected a 25-year-old student to an “horrendous” sexual attack in Chelmsford.

The young woman was assaulted after getting out of a taxi she had shared with the man in the town's Corporation Road at 4am on Tuesday.

The rapist dragged her into bushes next to a residential care home and subjected her to a “harrowing” attack before running off when local residents hurried to the spot after hearing her screams.

She suffered bruising to her body but did not require medical attention.

The young victim had been enjoying a night out with a group of friends in the town centre earlier that evening.

The party left a nightclub to return to their homes and the young woman shared a taxi with a man she believed had been with the party.

Investigating officer DC James Hardingham said: “This woman has suffered a violent trauma and been put through a quite harrowing attack.

“We need to identify and locate this man straight away.

“We would urge anyone with information to come forward so we can reassure this young woman that the man who raped her is no longer out there.

“We have an extremely unique description of him so hopefully this will jog people's minds.”

The rapist is described as black, about 5ft 11in tall, and of medium build.

He had very dark skin, short dark hair and spoke with an African accent. He was wearing a light-coloured shirt at the time and a diamond earring.

Detectives are examining CCTV footage from the town centre and nightclub to see whether he has been captured on camera.

Police said the victim is recovering at home and is being kept fully updated with the progress of the investigation.

Detectives are particularly keen to speak to any revellers and are urging people to call Chelmsford Police Station on (01245) 491212.