A WOULD-be robber attacked a woman in St Osyth and tried to pull an engagement ring from her finger.

The woman in her 40s was returning to her home off Beacon Way at around 12noon on November 22 when a man grabbed her from behinf and pushed her against a gate.

He attempted to remove an engagement ring from the victim’s finger but ran off after a brief struggle.

Police are calling for witnesses to the incident.

Investigating officer DC Jo Mangham said: "This was a nasty assault and the victim suffered bruising to her face where she was pushed against the gate and also a swollen finger from where the man tried to remove the ring.

"The man was white, aged about 45 to 50, about 5ft 10in tall and of stocky or wide build.

"He was said to have leathery skin, with shaved hair but balding in front and he smelled of cigarettes and alcohol - he was wearing a short black duffle-style coat.

"The man drove off in a black car, similar to a Ford Mondeo, and there was a woman sitting in the passenger seat. We think the car had been parked in the area for some time before the assault.

"We want to hear from anyone who saw what happened or anyone with information about the man, woman or the car."

Anyone who can help should contact DC Mangham at Clacton Target Offender Team on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.