POLICE are appealing for witnesses following an assault and an attempted robbery in South Ockendon.

The victim was walking from South Ockendon train station, along West Road and Arisdale Avenue, on Wednesday, 21 December. when he was approached by a man around 9.15am.

He was then assaulted multiple times outside the Next Distribution Centre. The suspect also demanded money before assaulting the victim again and running away towards the train station.

The suspect is described as a white man who was wearing a white and blue hooded jumper, jeans and white trainers.   

A statement from Essex Police says: "It's believed that there were a number of witnesses in the area and we are appealing to anyone who may have any further information to contact us.

"If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm. Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.

"Please quote incident 42/302955/22 when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible."