Police investigating an attempted robbery and assault of a female motorist in Chelmsford have issued a photograph of a man that they want to identify and question in connection with the incident. It’s believed he may come from Ipswich area.

At about 3.30am on Sunday, August 24, a man stood in the middle of Rainsford Road causing a woman motorist to stop her car. The man then asked her to take him to the High Street, which she declined.

He then tried to take the car keys and become violent punching the woman in the head before she was able to drive off. The woman, in her 50s from the Chelmsford area, who is a special constable, was left with minor bruising and swelling.

The man is described as white, aged 20-40 with straight short brown hair and he was wearing a dark suit, smart shoes and a light coloured shirt with a burgundy red tie.

Around 6am the same morning another woman motorist reported that a very intoxicated man started banging on her car window and shouting at her in Chignal Road, again asking for a lift. She drove away from the man, who had a similar description, without further incident and did not wish to make a complaint.

Investigating Officer Dc Louise Wilson said: "This was a frightening experience for the first woman and totally unacceptable behaviour from the man. I want to identify the man captured on CCTV and speak to him about his potential involvement in this incident."

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Dc Wilson on Chelmsford CID on 101.