A sex fiend who pinned a woman to the pavement and tried to kiss her is being hunted by police.

The 40-year-old woman only managed to escape the clutches of her attacker by stabbing him with a brooch pin as he tried to force himself on her.

The incident, which happened on Sunday night, is the latest in a number of reported sex attacks on lone women as they walk Southend streets.

The victim was pounced on as she walked along Royal Terrace at 10.30pm on Sunday. She was grabbed, pushed to the ground and pinned down by the throat.

Her attacker then tried to kiss her, indecently assaulting her. He was only forced to let go when she stabbed him in either the hand or arm with the pin.

He jumped up and ran off along Clifftown Terrace towards the seafront, leaving his victim shocked and shaken.

Sgt Jack Lawmon of Southend police said: "We would like to hear from anyone who knows someone with a recent stab wound injury.

"This man smelled strongly of beer so must have been drinking somewhere locally. In the light of recent incidents we are very keen to track him down."

The man was described by police as eastern European looking with a dark complexion, aged between 30 and 38, 5ft 7ins to 5ft 9 ins tall, fat, with a square face. He was wearing a dark track suit.

If you witnessed the incident or can help in any way, call the crime management unit at Southend police on 01702 431212, quoting reference C52 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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