A YOUNG woman was left with a broken jaw after a thug punched her in the face for no reason.

Kelly Pocklington has been surviving on a liquid diet for the past five weeks because of her injury and is in constant agony.

The 21-year-old said she was living in fear of bumping into her attacker, following the incident at Basildon’s Festival Leisure Park.

She said: “I don’t want to go back to the Festival Leisure Park and I’m even worried about going shopping in Basildon. What if he is from the town? I could bump into him.

“My friends say I have been staring at people and that I freeze, but I find myself trying to work out when I look at people if it could be him.

“Although I’ve been attacked I’m the one having to deal with all this. I can’t eat, I’ve had to take time off work and I can’t go out with my friends.”

Kelly, of Stelli Avenue, Canvey, had been enjoying a night out at the entertainment complex when she and her pals decided to get a burger.

They were near to McDonald’s when the thug approached one of Kelly’s male friends and tried to start a fight.

The mental health worker told the man to go away and, without warning, he punched her in the face.

Kelly said: “I was really shocked, but said to my friends that I just wanted to get in a cab and go home. When I was sitting in the cab I heard my jaw crack and realised I was in agony.”

Kelly went to hospital the next day where doctors confirmed she had a broken jaw.

Detectives hunting Kelly’s attacker have say he was wearing a black polo shirt and was with a group of friends.

Investigating officer Det Con Angie Coxon, of Basildon CID, said: “This was a horrific and unprovoked attack on a young woman, who was merely just enjoying a night out with her friends.

“This young lady now has a painful injury which could have lasting consequences on her life.

“The man we are searching for is shown on CCTV as being present that night with several friends at the Festival Leisure Park.

“I would ask them to explore their consciences and come forward and give us his name.

“Likewise I would also appeal to his family and friends who recognise him to come forward, as I’m sure they would not like it if their female loved-one was subjected to such a brutal attack.”

Witnesses to the attack, which happened at 3.20am on Saturday April 17, or anyone who recognises the man, can contact Det Con Coxon at Basildon CID on 0300 3334444 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.