POLICE officers investigating a racially aggravated assault in Grays last month have released an image of a man they want to speak to.

The incident happened outside Cash Converters on the High Street at around 5.30pm on 16 December.

A man was assaulted and racially abused before being followed into a nearby shop, and then assaulted again.

A statement from Essex Police says: "We want to speak to the man in the picture about the incident.

"If you have any information then please get in contact with us.

"Please quote the crime reference number 42/189413/24.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service which is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. 

"Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our online reporting services.

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