A HEALTH care assistant who had just finished a long late shift at Colchester Hospital was left bruised after “mindless idiots” pelted her with an egg hurled from a passing car.

The victim and councillors are calling on the culprits to have some consideration for their actions after the woman was left shaken and hurt by the attack.

The car screeched past as the woman, weary after a long shift at the hospital, walked along Turner Road, Mile End, Colchester, at about 8.30pm.

She felt a sharp pain as she was struck by an egg hurled from a window, which left a large red mark and a bruise.

The outraged husband of the victim, who asked not to be named, branded the attack as “an assault, plain and simple.”

He said: “This event proved that these people have no shame in targeting a random woman from behind with an object thrown at 30-40mph.

“She had just finished a late shift at the hospital helping others through pain and discomfort, but on her way home she was lucky not to get an injury more serious than a big bruise on her back.

“This is assault, plain and simple.

“These idiots do need to be found before they hit someone in the face and cause permanent damage.”

The couple reported the incident to Essex Police and say the force promised extra patrols in the area to try and crack down on the behaviour.

The husband said on visiting the scene the pair found evidence of previous incidents where eggs had been thrown.

He added: “If anything had hit above the neck it could cause some permanent and serious damage.

“If anyone walked up to a stranger and punched them on the back, neck or face in an unprovoked attack, then surely that warrants a prison sentence - the same rules apply here.”

Martin Goss, who represents Mile End on Colchester Council, said: “This is a prime example of stupidity personified.

“If anyone witnesses these idiots’ behaviour and notes the car registration number, absolutely report it straight to the police.

“There is evidence along Turner Road of this happening on previous occasions. It is just crazy.

“This kind of appalling behaviour and random act of stupidity has consequences.

“I hope the people responsible read about this and stop and think about their actions - I hope they grow up.

“It is absolutely pathetic, at that speed it is just like throwing a rock or a pebble at people.

“They may not realise the injuries could be much worse if hit hits someone in the face.”

He added: “There are perhaps more cases around Halloween and that sort of time, but it is more than just a joke to the victim, it is assault.”

An Essex Police spokesman called on witnesses to any egg throwing to report the incidents to the police.

This incident happened on Sunday, February 11.

Anyone with information can contact Essex Police on 101.