DETECTIVES are searching for a suspected rapist following an attack in Colchester.

A 42-year-old woman was sexually assaulted on a footpath between Chariot Drive, Gryphon Road and Berechurch Road.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Following a number of enquiries, including a forensic scene examination, officers are looking to trace the whereabouts of Marin Mic.

"He is a 36-year-old man last believed to be living Palmers Green in north London but now thought to be residing in the Colchester area.

"He has various tattoos on his arms and chest, including a skull, spider’s web and a horned animal."

Det Chief Insp Simon Werrett, who is leading the investigation, said: "We had been working with counterparts from the Metropolitan Police in order to arrest this man, but now believe him to be in Colchester.

"We would urge him, or his family and friends to contact us so that we can question him about this assault.”

Anyone who knows of the whereabouts of Marin Mic is urged to contact detectives at Colchester’s Sexual Offences Investigation Team on 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or email the incident room at SOIT @essex.pnn.police.uk

The attack took place at about 4pm on Monday, December 16.