POLICE have released CCTV images of a man who assaulted a woman at a Rochford retail park.

The man approached his 20 year-old victim, who lives locally, whilst they were both on a train.

He asked her for directions to a shop at the Airport Retail Park, off Rochford Road, and she told him to follow her when they both got off at Southend Airport train station as they were heading in the same direction.

As they reached the shopping park at about 2.30pm on Thursday, November 1, the man pulled her hair and pulled her backwards.

The woman was able to escape and quickly ran off.

Although suffering no injuries in the attack, she was left very shaken and upset.

It is no known what the man's intentions were and officers wish to speak to him in connection with the incident.

He is described as approximatley 30 years old, white, of slim build and 5ft 6ins tall.

On the afternoon of the assault the man, who had a local accent, was wearing a grey hat, grey jumper, blue jeans and light coloured trainers.

Anyone who recognises the man or witnessed the incident should contact Pc Chris Baker at the Rayleigh Area Investigation team on 101.