A sex attacker who struck in an alleyway in daylight was today being hunted by police.

The man grabbed a 33-year-old woman in Rochford yesterday morning and pushed her face against a wall before indecently assaulting her.

She was walking alone in the alleyway between Rochford Garden Way and Ashingdon Road at 9.15pm when she was attacked.

Detectives urgently want to speak to two young women who were walking through the alley with a little boy who could be key witnesses.

It is thought the attacker would have run past them as he escaped.

The victim suffered grazes to her face but did not go to hospital.

The white man was of medium build, he wore glasses, a blue hooded top with a narrow yellow stripe around it and blue jeans.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Rayleigh police on 01268 775533.

Published Thursday, May 22, 2003

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