POLICE have issued an appeal to speak to a man in connection with an ongoing probe into an assault in Basildon.

The incident was reported to have happened in Cheshunts, Basildon, at around 7pm on Sunday, December 22 last year. 

Officers want to speak to Andrew Hitchman in connection with the ongoing investigation.

The 41-year-old is described as black, 6ft tall, with brown eyes and a scar to the centre of his forehead. 

He has a tattoo depicting a Chinese symbol on the left-hand side of his neck. 

Hitchman has links to Basildon, South Woodham Ferrers, Rayleigh and Benfleet. 

He also has links to Maidstone, Chatham and Dartford in Kent, as well as Chadwell Heath in London. 

An Essex Police spokesman said: "If you have any information please contact us. You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am and 9pm.

"Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services.

"Alternatively you can call us on 101. In an emergency always call 999.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111."