Fresh appeal in child rape probe

Police have cordoned off the victim's home and increased patrols

Police investigating the rape of a girl in her home in Essex hope holidaymakers returning from the Easter break will provide further vital information.

The child - who is aged between five and 10 years old - was attacked as she slept in her bedroom on a housing estate in Basildon on Wednesday.

Police said they were studying "a large number" of calls from the public.

The rapist was described as black, aged 18 to 20, with dirty teeth and wearing a ring bearing the word "Boyz".

The victim also described him as skinny, wearing a grey top with dark writing and loose-fitting, ripped trousers, probably designer.

DNA results

Supt Glenn Caton, of Essex Police, said: "We've had a good description and names put up and that information is being sifted through."

Police have stepped up patrols in the area and a mobile police unit remains nearby.

Supt Caton said: "House to house enquiries are almost complete but unfortunately we have had the disadvantage with it being a bank holiday weekend with many people away.

"So we will have to revisit the estate to carry out more enquiries.

"We are still trawling through CCTV footage and still have possession of the house with more searching and forensic examinations to be carried out."

DNA testing

Items have also been sent to the laboratories for DNA testing. The results are expected later this week.

Supt Caton could not rule out that the black community could be asked to provide DNA samples.

Detectives said they were also liaising with forces across the country to help them find any leads.

The case is being treated as stranger rape because the victim did not recognise her attacker.

There was no forced entry into the home, but police refused to comment further.

The girl's mother, her three siblings and two other children were asleep in the house at the time. It is thought they were having a sleepover.

The incident shocked neighbours who said the area had been plagued by crime.