A masked man who attacked a young woman in Westcliff before trying to rip off her blouse is being hunted by police.

Officers believe two men spotted by the victim moments before her terrifying ordeal may hold the key to catching the culprit.

A police spokesman said the woman, who was in her early 20s, had been walking along the road when she was approached from behind by a man wearing a dark balaclava and dark clothing.

He immediately began threatening her before punching her in the face several times.

He then attempted to rip off her blouse, at which point she screamed.

The occupant of a nearby house looked out to investigate, shouted at the attacker, who then ran off. The incident happened about 11.30pm on Saturday.

The police spokesman added: "Although the attacker was wearing a balaclava he was white-skinned."

He was about 5ft 8ins tall, slim, young and fit. Just before the assault, the victim was walking along nearby London Road from the town centre.

The spokesman said: "Just before the turning into Electric Avenue she recalls seeing two men in London Road walking a pit bull terrier towards Southend. Police are anxious to trace these two men who may have seen her attacker."

Call Det Con Dave Nash, at Leigh CID on 01702 471212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.