A 22-year old woman has spoken of her fright after she fought off a robber by biting him.

The shopworker, who asked not to be named, was attacked on the zebra crossing near One Stop on Ramsey Road, Harwich, shortly before 11am on Tuesday after she refused to give a man some money she was carrying.

She said: “He said if I wanted to see my kids again I should give him the money but I refused.

“He then started grabbing me and turned me round and was strangling me. I kicked him and bit him on the hand, and then a man in a van pulled up and he ran off.”

The woman added: “I haven’t left my house since, I’m so shaken. He did that in broad daylight in a busy area and he’s not safe to be out there.”

The assailant is described as white, in his late teens or early 20s, is approximately 5ft 5ins tall and was wearing a grey hoodie, grey jogging bottoms and black trainers. He had a gaunt look.

Investigating Officer, Dc Roger Henderson, said: “This incident is so shocking as it took place in broad daylight and on a very busy section of road.

“Detectives are looking to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident and in particular a driver of a white van who pulled up to assist the female.

“The suspect will almost certainly have a bite mark on the top of his right hand and detectives want to hear from anyone who can help identify him.”

Anyone with information in connection with this attempted robbery is urged to contact detectives at Clacton police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.