Detectives hunting a man who tried to strangle a young girl are pleading with the public to shop him before he strikes again.

The attack, which happened three months ago, has left the 13-year-old with terrible mental scars. She is now too afraid to go out on her own.

Police believe it may have been a case of attempted rape and think the man also preyed on another girl the day before the attack.

Det Con Ian Jennings, who is leading the investigation, said: "We still need further information.

"We are appealing for any witnesses in the area at the time or any more names that may match the e-fit.

"This is not a case which is going to be solved easily - we will persist. We do not think he has struck again but that is not to say he won't. He is definitely a person who needs to be caught."

The victim was walking across the Fryerns School playing fields at 4pm on September 18. The mystery assailant pulled her to the ground and put his hands round her neck.

The attack was only thwarted when a boy on a bike came to her rescue, and the girl was so distressed by her ordeal she was unable to speak to police for 24 hours. She also suffered extensive bruising to her neck.

Det Con Jennings said: "It's made a big difference to her life - she's always watching over her shoulder now.

"Obviously she feels restricted in her movements and doesn't go anywhere on her own. It's such a shame because she's a nice young girl."

A number of key witnesses came forward after a poster campaign to help catch the attacker.

Several suspects were interviewed after an e-fit appeared, but police are hoping this fresh appeal will prompt more clues to the man's identity.

Det Con Jennings said: "We are still after more names. Someone must know him. Calls will be treated in confidence and if someone is unsure about whether they recognise the man or not I would say to them - tell us anyway.

"We investigate each suggestion thoroughly and carefully."

The attacker, who was dark-skinned, escaped on his own metallic-pink mountain bike down Quilters Straight, Writtle Walk and Beeleigh West.

He is in his late 20s to early 30s, of average height - 5ft 6in to 5ft 10in - and average build with a local accent.

He had a distinctive dark hairstyle, shaved around the back and sides but messy and wavy on top. He was also scruffy and unshaven and wore black faded jeans and a dark-coloured jumper.

Detectives believe he is the same man who followed a 14-year-old girl in the Whitmore Way and Danbury Down area of Basildon the day before.

If you can help please call Det Con Jennings on 01268 532212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 .

E-fit - do you know this man?

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.