A terrified student managed to struggle free from an attacker who indecently assaulted her and tried to pull her to the ground.

Police have just released details of the assault, which happened in an alley off Avon Way, Colchester, at 6.30pm on Thursday as the woman walked home from Essex University.

After leaving her friend at Elmstead Road, she continued walking home alone.

A police spokesman said: "She noticed a man walking behind her. The man shouted at her, ran after her and touched her on the bottom.

"He tried to hold her as she struggled. He tried to pull her over and then hit her - a slap to the head. She screamed and struggled free."

PC Jim Finnigan said that the victim was sure she saw her attacker in the university bar earlier in the evening, but didn't think he was a student.

"She instantly realised the person behind her was the man she had seen earlier at the university and for a second she felt relieved," said PC Finnigan.

He added: "We are treating the incident as very serious in nature. The student is fine, but she is obviously afraid to go out on her own"

The man is described as white, in his early 20s, 5ft 10ins, of medium to slight build, with blue eyes and black hair in a "curtain style".

He was wearing a creamy white padded jacket and had an English accent.

Anyone with information should contact PC Finnigan at Colchester police station on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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