Police have released an e-fit of a man suspected of raping a woman in Essex.

The woman, 29, was attempting to hitchhike back home to Witham on Saturday when the man picked her up in a red Vauxhall car in London Road, Pitsea.

Essex Police said he then raped her in the car before telling her to get out.

She then went back to her boyfriend's house nearby and contacted police.

The man behind the attack is described as white, in his mid 30s, with a slim build and brown spiky hair.

Det Sgt Danny Walker said: "We have spoken at length with this woman, who had been walking along London Road when this Vauxhall pulled up.

"Despite her attack opposite the Gun public house she was able to fixate on some of her assailant's distinguishing features.

"We would urge people to have a close look at the e-fit and see if they recognise him."