ESSEX Police are appealing for witnesses to an assault in Harlow shortly after 1.20pm on Monday December 28. A man and his pregnant girlfriend were walking along a cycle path which connects Paringdon Road and Commonside Road, in Lower Meadow when they were approached by a two teenagers on a moped on the pathway which nearly hit them.

The youths then stopped and assaulted the man – hitting him a number of times and attacking him with a screwdriver. His partner was threatened but was not hurt. The victim was taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries before being released.

The two suspects rode off in the direction of Paringdon Road towards Staple Tye. The driver of the moped was white, aged 15 to 16, had dark brown hair and was of slim athletic build, and 5ft 5in tall. He had a dark blue scarf covering his face and was wearing a light blue t-shirt and dark jogging bottoms. The passenger was white, around 4ft 5in tall, with strawberry blond hair, a pale complexion and rosy cheeks. He was of chubby build and was wearing dark coloured trousers, a hooded jumper underneath a black bomber jacket.

The moped was a Piaggio, with silver trim on the front. Anyone who witnessed the attack or who has any other information which could assist is asked to call Harlow CID on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.