A man dragged a woman into an outbuilding and sexually assaulted her shortly after she left a pub in Southend town centre.

Police are appealing for the public's help in tracking down the attacker. The 24-year-old woman suffered a cut to her head in the assault and was badly shaken by the incident.

An Essex Police spokesman said the woman was attacked shortly after she left a pub in Southend town centre at about 12.20am today (Friday).

As she walked down an alley connecting Church Road and Lucy Road a man grabbed hold of her. He dragged her into a nearby outbuilding and subjected her to what police have termed 'a serious sexual assault.'

The woman cried out for help and when passers-by came down the alley the attacker ran off in the direction of Church Road, and perhaps past or through The Royals shopping centre.

He has been described as white, of medium build, about 27 years old, about 5ft 9ins tall, with cropped fair hair. He wore a black Puffa jacket and blue jeans.

Anyone with information has been asked to contact Southend CID on 01702 431212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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