A man has been charged with raping a woman near a Tesco car park.

The alleged victim was attacked in Cygnet View, West Thurrock, at around 3.30pm on Tuesday, June 12.

Iulian Mititelu, 32, of Charlton Street, Grays, was also charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and making threats to kill.

He appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Saturday, June 16 and has been remanded in custody.

Mititelu will appear at Basildon Crown Court on Friday, July 13.

Cygnet View is an access road to the Tesco Extra and a McDonalds restaurant.

A spokesperson from Essex Police said: "We are treating the incident as a targeted attack. The woman continues to receive supported from specialist officers.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact the West Adult Sexual Abuse Investigation Team on 0300 3334444 Ext 360850 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111."