A VAN driver was assaulted by two men as they tried to rob packages from his vehicle.

The victim was making deliveries in Braintree on Friday and stopped at Fore Field at about 10.30am to check packages in the back of his van.

As he climbed out and shut the back door he was approached by two men who demanded the van keys and told the driver to open the door again.

When he refused both men started assaulting him. He was punched and kicked several times before the two attackers ran off empty-handed.

The driver, who is in his 30s, suffered bruising to his face and body.

The two suspects were both white, aged between their 20s and 40s and about 5ft 7in tall. One had stubble and was wearing a light grey hoodie and the other was wearing a baseball cap.

Anyone with information should contact Braintree CID on 101.