Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman was attacked and seriously injured after checking on an unwell man.

The 58-year-old victim was driving along Southernhay in Basildon at 3.40am today, Saturday, December 8, when she saw a man in a parked car who appeared to be unwell.

When she went to check on his welfare, he was reported to have punched her, causing her to fall to the ground, and kicked her in the head.

The car, a Ford Focus, then drove off.

Officers carried out a search and the vehicle failed to stop for officers.

It rammed a police car and then stopped in White Elm Road, Bicknacre.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm, driving while unfit through drink or drugs, failing to stop and possession of drugs.

A passenger in the car, a 33-year-old woman from Tilbury, was arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs.

Both are currently in custody for questioning.

The woman who was assaulted was taken to hospital with serious hip injuries.

Enquiries are ongoing and officers want to speak to anyone who was in the Southernhay area at the time of the incident and saw what happened.

Call Basildon CID on 101 quoting incident 207 of December 8.

Alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers charity 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org