ESSEX Police are investigating reports of a serious assault in Harlow.

The victim, a woman aged in her 40s, was approached by two men in Broadfield sometime between 11.15pm on Saturday July 9 and 12am on Sunday July 10.

They attempted to steal her handbag before assaulting her in a garage area nearby.

The suspects were described as white and aged in their 30s.

Temporary Detective Inspector Bonnie Moore said: “This happened in a residential area near a pub and there would have been people in the area at the time.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious or who noticed two men hanging around the area before or after the time of the assault to contact us.

“I am particularly keen to trace a man who saw the victim with the two men and spoke to them, but was told by the suspects that they knew her.”

Anyone with information can contact T/DI Moore on 101. Alternatively they can give information to the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via an anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org