A woman was dragged into bushes and raped in an alleyway near a Tesco store in Essex, police said today.
The victim, who is aged in her 20s, was attacked by two men as she walked from the supermarket on Fullbridge, Maldon, just after 5.45pm yesterday.
One of her attackers, who police described as being of Indian or Asian appearance, then raped her.
He was about 30 years old, 5'10", with facial stubble. He was wearing a Superdry jacket with a green logo.
The second man, who was slightly taller than the first, was wearing a hooded top and black jacket.
Detectives investigating the case are appealing for anyone who saw the men acting suspiciously before the rape to contact them.
Essex Police have stepped up patrols in the area in order to reassure people living locally.
DCI Simon Werrett, who is leading the investigation, said: “Maldon is a safe town to live in and I appreciate how shocking an incident like this will be to the community.
"I am working with the local policing commander to ensure patrols in the area are increased to both reassure residents but also to gather information about those responsible."
Anyone with any information can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
