TWO women were attacked at a sheltered housing complex for elderly people, Essex Police have revealed.

Police were called to the incident at Emily White Court, Highcliffe Road, Wickford after reports that two women were assaulted.

The sheltered housing complex is owned by Basildon Council.

Officers say they take incidents of this nature seriously and are working with police “to take action” wherever there is evidence.

Police say a 30-year-old man was arrested in connection with a string of offences following the incident.

He was then bailed until a later date, officers added.

Eunice Brockman, Wickford Independents councillor for Wickford North knew one of the victims and wished both women well following the incident.

She said: “I am shocked that something like this has happened in our town.

“I know one of the women, she had heard some commotion and shouting at the complex and went to investigate as she has a friend at the complex.

“My thoughts are with both of the women and I wish them both well.

“I have known one of the women personally for years and I will be there for both of them and have already been in touch with one of the families.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We were called to reports of an assault on Highcliffe Road, Wickford, on Friday afternoon.

“We received the call just after 12.05pm on Friday May 29 and responded shortly afterwards.

“It was reported that two women, one aged in her 50s and the other in her 60s, had been assaulted.

“A 30-year-old man from Chelmsford was arrested at the scene on suspicion of two offences of assault and one public order offence.

“He has since been released on bail until Friday 26 June.”

The council bosses say they take a strong stance against such incidents and that they are working with Essex Police.

A Basildon Council spokesman said: “We aware of an incident that occurred at Emily White Court on Friday May 29.

“Basildon Council takes incidents of this nature very seriously and will always work in partnership with Essex Police to take action where we have the evidence to do so, to ensure the matter is resolved quickly and efficiently.”