DETECTIVES have launched an investigation after a teenager was raped in an alleyway.

The 19-year-old woman had just left the Liquid and Envy nightclub at Festival Leisure Park and was walking across the car park when she was approached by a man who is also thought to have been at the club.

He then attacked her next to the Fitness First gym. The victim, who is from Basildon, was left shocked and distressed. She is now with specialist officers and other staff at the Sexual Assault Referral Centre.

The incident is believed to have happened between 3am and 4am on Sunday, August 24.

Yesterday, specialist officers were examinining the scene.

Anyone with information should contact detectives at Brentwood sexual offences investigation team on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.