US rapper Nelly has spoken out and thanked Essex Police after they dropped a sexual assault investigation against him.

The rapper, whose real name is Cornell Iral Haynes Jr, was accused of attacking a fan after his gig at the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend on December 5, 2017.

Essex Police launched an investigation and, after interviewing the rapper in January, has told him he faces no further action.

The investigation centred on claims from the fan who said the rapper had invited her to his dressing room after the show and sexually assaulted her.

She claimed she paid to have her photo taken with the 44-year-old rapper after the concert before he took her to a separate room and sexually assaulted her.

In response to the news he will face no further action, Nelly said: "I am very thankful to the UK police for thoroughly investigating the false allegations against me and I am satisfied with the results of this case and the previous one in the US, both driven by the same attorney, both being dropped.

"I stand with women and real survivors and can’t wait to just focus on what I love - family, music and reconnecting with the fans that have stood by me through these turbulent times. Thank you."