A woman was hit in the face and dragged into an alleyway during an assault in South Ockendon.

Police are appealing for information following the incident, which happened on Sunday, September 6 at about 1.30am.

The victim, a 29-year-old woman from the local area, was walking along Daiglen Drive when she was approached from behind by an unknown man.

He grabbed hold of her, dragged her into an alleyway and hit her in the face.

The victim ran off towards the shops in Derwent Parade.

She was left shaken but not seriously injured.

Officers are appealing for anyone with information to come forward and are advising members of the public to be vigilant when walking alone at night.

The suspect is described as white, around 30-years-old and around 5ft 10ins tall. He was wearing dark jeans and dark zipped up hooded top.

Police do not believe the incident was sexually motivated.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Pc Barry Wakeling at Grays on Essex Police 101.

People can also give information to the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via an Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org