Police have issued an e-fit of a man they want to identify in their inquiry into an attempted rape in Witham on Wednesday morning.

East Anglian Daily Times: Essex Police are trying to identify this man after an attempted rape in Witham. Picture: ESSEX POLICEEssex Police are trying to identify this man after an attempted rape in Witham. Picture: ESSEX POLICE (Image: Archant)

The victim, a woman in her 20s, was walking in an alleyway near to Bramble Road at around 8.45am when a man approached her from behind and tried to rape her.

She was able to fight him off and the man ran away in the direction of the nearby park. The victim is being supported by specialist officers.

A 23 year-old man from Witham arrested in connection with incident has been released. The police now want to identify the man pictured in this e-fit.

Detective Inspector Al Pitcher, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “We need to identify and speak to the man pictured in the e-fit as he may have information which is important. If you recognise him please contact my team.”

They have also issued a CCTV picture of a man who was in the area.

DI Pitcher added: “We particularly want to speak to someone who was walking two German Shepherd dogs and passed this man as he walked along Harebell Drive.”

If you recognise a man in either of these images call Stanway Major Crime Team on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.