Police are appealing for information following a frightening incident in Thaxted where an 18-year-old woman was assaulted.

The young victim, who hails from Thaxted, was driving along Thaxted Road (B184) at around 9.30pm on Thursday, June 15, when a vehicle began flashing her from behind.

The vehicle, described as a black Range Rover, then overtook her and blocked the road.

A man got out of the vehicle, opened the victim’s door and tried grabbing the woman. The victim struck the suspect in the face, causing him to fall back, and drove off.

The man is described as being white, in his late 20s and of a skinny build with broad shoulders. He was tanned, clean shaven and had short dark brown hair.

The victim reported that several vehicles drove by during the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Pc Joanne Lewis at Braintree police station on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.