Police are investigating after a pregnant woman was attacked in broad daylight in Walton.

The 23-year-old lady had been walking along Beatrice Road near the junction with Hall Lane at around 11.15am on Thursday, September 24, when she was assaulted.

She was approached from behind and struck on the head with an unknown object, before she was then punched and kicked on the ground by the unknown attacker.

The lady, who is local to the Walton area suffered swelling and bruising to her face, and was taken to hospital for treatment.

In light of the shocking attack, the matter is set to be discussed at the Voice of Walton community meeting on Monday.

Anne Poonian, Tendring district councillor for the Walton ward, said: “It does concern me, especially as an ex-midwife. Hopefully it will come up at the meeting and there are bound to be people who were near there.

“Obviously we do not want it to happen, but how you approach it is difficult and there are pockets of areas where it does happen.”

Officers from Essex Police investigating the incident confirmed that no arrests had been made, but enquiries were still ongoing.

PC Ben Spencer said: “This was a nasty assault on a pregnant woman. Fortunately she did not suffer any serious injuries.”

A police spokeswoman confirmed that there had been no affect on the woman’s unborn child.

Anyone who witnessed the incident should contact police in Harwich on 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.