POLICE have released a CCTV image of a man they want to identify in connection with a assualt on a guest house owner.

The owner of the B&B in Hartington Road, Southend, was hit on the head with a mobile phone, causing a gash to the middle of his forehead which required stitching at hospital.

The owner also found the room where the suspect had been staying had damage to a wall and a duvet was missing following the incidnet at around 6.50pm on March 9 this year.

The photograph shows the suspect who is described as black, aged between 20-40, average height with black hair tied into a bun. He was wearing beige chino trousers and a beige checked shirt. The man gave a false address, but is believed to come from London area.

Anyone who recognises him or has any other information is asked to contact Pc Pierre Guilcher at Southend Police Station NCT on 101 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.