Detectives are hunting a man who attacked and cut a woman with a blade during an attempted robbery in White Notley.

The incident happened at 10am yesterday morning as the 40-year-old woman, who is not being named, walked her dog along White Notley River Walk.

She was suddenly confronted by a man who demanded she hand over cash.

But when the woman said she did not have any money he attacked her with what is believed to be a bladed instrument.

The woman received cuts to her hands and the man ran off towards Station Road, White Notley.

Det Con Mick Frost, of Witham CID, said: "The lady is shaken and obviously shocked but her injuries are only minor.

"She told the man she hadn't got any money and he struck out at her before turning tail and running."

Det Con Frost appealed for witnesses, saying someone could have seen the robber as he made his escape: "This is a fairly isolated area and the railway station is nearby.

"It is possible somebody could have seen this man getting on to a train as this was the direction in which he was running."

The robber is described as white, aged 20 to 25, 5ft 10 inches tall with short dark hair. He was wearing a dark black puffa jacket with a red emblem on the left breast, dark trousers and black boots.

Det Con Frost advised people to be on their guard while using the River Walk in the wake of yesterday's attack.

"I would just say to be aware of what other people are around and if you see anyone acting suspiciously don't go down there," he said.

Anyone who has any information on the attempted robbery or may have seen the man running towards Station Road is asked to contact Braintree CID on 01376 501212

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