POLICE are hoping to track down a man they would like to speak to following the spiking of a woman's drink.

An appeal has gone out to South Essex late night revelers who may have been in Brentwood High Street on Saturday evening. A CCTV picture has been issued in association with the appeal.

With its many bars and clubs, Brentwood is a focal point for people socialising across south Essex and east London and is a regular haunt of many Thurrock residents, to who the police are also directing their appeal.

It was reported that the victim, a woman in her 20s, became unwell at the Slug and Lettuce sometime after 11.15pm on Saturday, 7 August.

A police statement says: "We believe she may have been approached by a man who put his arms around her and kissed her cheek.

"We understand that a number of women may have felt unwell at the same premises that night and would encourage them to report it to us if they haven't done so already.

"If you were at the pub and saw something suspicious, please contact us and quote the crime reference number 42/163187/21. If you have any information about this incident, or the person pictured, you can submit it online at [L]https://www.essex.police.uk [L+]via this link [L+]where you can use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am and 11pm.

"You can also call us on 101. If you'd prefer to remain anonymous you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."