THIS is the man police are trying to trace after he repeatedly punched a driver in what could be a random attack.

A woman was punched in the face “several times” during a vicious daylight attack by a man who had been travelling in a car behind.

The woman, in her twenties, was driving her white Range Rover down West Road, South Ockendon, approaching the junction of Arisdale Avenue, when she slowed to queue in traffic.

A male who was riding as passenger with another man in the car behind, approached the woman and started punching her before he returned to the car and was driven off.

The men headed off towards the M25.

The woman had to be treated by paramedics for minor injuries and shock. She is currently providing a statement to officers.

Officers had to close a section of West Road while inquiries were carried out.

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “CCTV is being reviewed. At this stage, it is unclear what the motive is behind the assault.”

Cops are hoping an efit they have produced will help identify who is behind the attack, which took place at 9.30am on Wednesday July 2.

Anyone with information can call detectives at Grays Police station on 101.