Police are appealing for witnesses to an assault during an argument between two parents in Southend.

The attack happened in the children’s play area in Southchurch Park off Shaftesury Avenue when a 60-year-old local woman was headbutted by a man shortly before 6:30pm on Wednesday, June 18.

The woman had been having a discussion with a man about the behaviour of their respective children. Following the assault, the man walked away and got into a silver Ford Puma which had been parked outside a nearby confectionary shop.

Investigating officer, PC Javier Rodriguez-Perez, said: "During these past few weeks, we have been examining CCTV to see if the man has been captured on camera. We are still working our way through the hours of footage, but we now know that he was with a woman.

"Silver Pumas in the Southend area are probably not that common so we’re hoping that someone knows who this man is and where he lives.”

The assailant is described as white, of large build, approximately six foot tall, had short, brown spikey hair, is aged in his late thirties and was wearing a red-checked shirt. He was in the company of a fat woman who is described as white, approximately 5ft 8ins tall and has shoulder-length white blonde hair.

The victim was taken to Southend University Hospital by paramedics and treated for her facial injuries. She is now recovering at home.

Anyone who witnessed the assault or recognises the man from the description provided is urged to contact investigating officers at the Neighbourhood Crime Team at Southend police station on 101.