Essex Police have issued an e-fit of a man they would like to identify after a teenager reported being assaulted and pulled into a vehicle in Southend.

The victim reported that the incident took place between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve in 2017 in an alleyway between Lucy Road car park and Church Road.

Officers were contacted recently about the incident after the victim told his parents.

The boy, who was 16 at the time, reported that he was hit to the back of the head and was knocked unconscious before waking up in a red vehicle.

He then got out and walked home.

Pc Emma Logan, of Southend CID, said: “We appreciate that some time has since passed since the reported assault took place and we doing everything we can to identify the man the victim described.

“We have been supporting the victim and after making enquiries with him, we have together created this e-fit to appeal for your information and help.

“The victim can’t recall the date but believes the incident took in the early hours of the morning between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve in 2017.

“We would urge anyone with information to contact us on 101 quoting crime reference 42/167022/18 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”