A 33-year-old man, arrested in connection with the attempted rape of a woman in Witham, has been released under investigation.

The victim, a woman in her 20s, was attacked at about 8.45am on Wednesday, January 3, as she walked along a pathway in Powers Hall End and Bluebell Close/Bramble Road.

She managed to fight the man off and get away.

A man in his 30s was arrested in Witham.

Police are continuing to investigate the incident and appeal for information.

The woman’s attacker is described as white, just under 6ft, of large build, with dark bushy eyebrows, green eyes and short, shaved dark hair.

He was seen wearing a black puffed jacket with a hood, and bright blue denim jeans, and was carrying a grey and black backpack. The man is believed to have spoken with a foreign accent.

Anybody with information can contact the Stanway major investigation team on 101 or email scd.appeals.essex@essex.pnn.police.uk