Police are appealing for witnesses after an 87-year-old woman was assaulted in Clacton.

She was walking in Alton Park Road on Thursday, December 24, when a young cyclist rode past her on the pavement at speed.

Investigating officer Pc Angela Finn said: “This gave her a shock and she shook her head in disapproval.

“A man on a bicycle then approached her, using the bike to block the path, and preventing her from moving.

“He pushed his knee into her right leg, grabbed her around the coat collar and shouted at her.

“He then rode off down Upper Park Road.”

The woman suffered pain and discomfort but no visible injuries, and was left shaken by the incident.

The man is described as white, of heavy build and aged about 50.

Witnesses who saw the incident, at the junction of Alton Park Road and Upper Park Road at some point between 1.30pm and 3.30pm, are asked to call Pc Finn on 101.

Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.