A MAN with Aspergers Syndrome was smacked in the face with a plank of a wood in a random attack.

The 32-year-old victim was left with cuts and bruises to his face following the attack in Chelmsford Road in Rawreth.

PC Michael Peterson, of Rayleigh Police Station, said: "At this time we have not been able to establish any reason as to why the victim was attacked or any events leading up to the assault.

“This happened at the side of a busy road, though, and I am hopeful that passers-by may have seen what happened.

The attack happened 12.44pm on Wednesday July 23 however Essex Police only released details of the assault today.

The current attacker is white, with dark hair and under 6ft tall.

Anyone with information should contact Rayleigh police station on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.