A terrified young woman hit her attacker in the face to escape from him - and she was then punched hard in the stomach.

The 18-year-old was walking home in Witham when she was assaulted.

Police say a car pulled up near her in the Avenue at about 11.15pm on Sunday night and a man got out. Police believe he had been drinking.

PC Mick Hall said: "He started to chat her up. She felt scared and tried to get away by pushing him out of the way but he pushed her against a tree. Obviously she tried to defend herself.

"She hit him in the face to protect herself, but the man punched her hard in the stomach which winded her."

The attacker went back to the car which drove off towards Newland Street.

Three other people were in the vehicle, which is believed to have been a maroon coloured M or N-reg car.

The attacker is described as aged about 25, white, of slim build, with a curtain-style haircut and local accent. He smelled like he had been drinking heavily.

He was wearing a dark-coloured bomber jacket with white markings on the left breast, dark trousers and white trainers.

Anyone with information should contact PC Emma Makey on 01376 501212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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