Detectives are continuing to appeal for information nearly three weeks after the attempted rape of a woman in Witham.

The victim, a woman in her 20s, was attacked around 8.45am on Wednesday, January 3, as she walked in an alleyway near Bramble Road in the town.

She was able to fight the man off who fled in the direction of the adjacent park.

Detectives are still keen to speak to any witnesses or anyone who was driving in the area of Bluebell Close, Bramble Road, Harebell Drive, Campion Way and Powers Hall End from the junction with Flora Road to Spring Lodge and ‘Vets Now’.

The man is described as white, just under 6ft tall, 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.

A 23-year-old man, arrested in connection with the incident, has now been eliminated as a suspect from the investigation.

Detective Inspector Al Pitcher, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “We have a team of detectives working around the clock on this investigation and they are continuing to pursue a number of lines of enquiry.

“We would continue to urge anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area on the day to get in touch.

“Equally if you recognise the man depicted in the e-fit please get in touch with us if you haven’t already.

“This was a horrific ordeal for the victim of the attack. If you suspect who may be responsible, please get in touch with my team of detectives.

“Any information you have could be vital in solving this crime.”

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