The woman reported she was approached by a man who raped her before assaulting her with a knife. A 23-year-old man remains in custody for questioning on suspicion of rape and assault. A spokesperson for Essex Police said: "An arrest has been made and an investigation is ongoing after a report of an incident of rape and serious assault. "The incident was reported to have taken place in the vicinity of Villa Road Recreation Ground, Benfleet, at around 10.45pm on Monday 22 September. "A 23-year-old man, from Benfleet, remains in custody for questioning on suspicion of rape and assault.