By Sharon AsplinPOLICE have appealed for witnesses to two sex attacks carried out in two towns at the weekend.A 26-year-old woman from Chelmsford was enjoying a night out and was on her way home in the early hours of yesterday when she was approached by a man she did not know.

By Sharon Asplin

POLICE have appealed for witnesses to two sex attacks carried out in two towns at the weekend.

A 26-year-old woman from Chelmsford was enjoying a night out and was on her way home in the early hours of yesterday when she was approached by a man she did not know.

He started talking to her by the river near the town's Meadows Shopping Centre and then assaulted her, taking her phone. He was seen running away from the scene by fishermen in the area.

The woman, who was in a distressed state, then took a taxi home and the police were called. Her attacker was described as black, aged between 25 and 35, of medium build, between 5ft 8in and 5ft 11in tall, unshaven and with short, black hair.

The exact time of the assault is not known and Essex Police said they wanted to hear from anyone in the area between 2.30am and 4am yesterday.

Anyone with information should contact Detective Constable Brendan Cox, of Chelmsford police, on 01245 491212.

Meanwhile, officers are also investigating an unconnected, but mysterious attack in Braintree.

A 32-year-old woman was found in a distressed and confused state and wearing very little clothing.

She claimed to have been assaulted and was found by another man who drove her to her mother's home in Braintree - about a mile away - at about 5.20am yesterday.

Essex Police said they urgently wanted to trace the Good Samaritan and a force spokeswoman added: "He may be able to shed some light on events and clarify the woman's story."

Anyone who can help should contact Braintree police on 01376 551312.

sharon.asplin@eadt.co.uk