A woman was sexually assaulted in an underpass in a daylight attack.

She was walking in an underpass in Hazelmere, Pitsea – beneath the A13, near Tesco and the railway station – when a man ran up behind her when she was walking alone at 7.30am.

The man then touched the woman inappropriately before fleeing the scene in the direction of Tesco.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward and have shared a description of a man they wish to speak to in connection with the incident.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “The man, who was described as being white, around 5ft 10ins tall, of a medium build and wearing dark clothing continued to run towards Tesco supermarket after the incident.”

The assault has caused concern about the safety of the underpass among the community.

Wendy Altman, 52, who lives near the area, said: “This is exactly why I never use that underpass.

“It just isn’t safe and there needs to be CCTV installed to stop things like this from happening.

“I hope the woman is OK and has not been permanently affected by this.”

Another woman, who will remain anonymous, added: “This is just awful.

“You should be able to walk anywhere you like – including underpasses – without having to worry about perverts being about.

“They are just scum of the earth.

“I hope the man is caught so he cannot do this to anyone else.”

Anyone with information about the assault is asked to contact Basildon Police Station on 101, quoting reference number 42/143020/18.

Alternatively, you can share information with independent crimefighting charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111.

You can also share information online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online