Two women have reported being sexually assaulted within half a mile of each other.
The unrelated incidents took place on Monday and Tuesday in Rainham.
The first incident, which was not reported to police until Wednesday, took place in Cherry Tree Road on Monday afternoon .
Following the call, officers sealed off the area while forensic experts examined the scene.
A witness said Cherry Tree Road and part of Mierscourt Road remained cordoned off at 9am today (Thursday) and officers could be seen taking photographs.
The resident added: “It was sealed off when I woke up at 6.30am. I have never seen so many police.”
The second incident was in Rainham Recreation Ground, just off Station Road, on Tuesday night .
The victim, who is thought to be in her 40s, told police she was attacked in the park at about 10.30pm.
Several police officers were guarding the entrances the following morning and the park remained closed while forensic officers carried out a search.
It is understood the first victim, who is in her 20s, was encouraged by friends to come forward after news broke of the second attack.