A breakdown service has reassured customers priority will be given to callers in a vulnerable situation after an unprovoked attack on a woman driver who broke down in Witham.

The 31-year-old was driving along Terling Road when she started having trouble with her car and pulled into the layby near the junction of Peg Millars Lane.

A motorcyclist pretending to be a Good Samaritan offered help but when it was refused he hit her and ripped open her shirt and tried to touch her.

An AA spokeswoman said today: "If someone feels in a vulnerable situation they should say so when they call and they will be given priority."

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to the incident at 7.30pm on Tuesday night to come forward.

Det Con Steve Gray said: "It was a worrying and unprovoked attack on an isolated road."

Mr Gray said the victim recalled three or four vehicles pass by the scene after the attack and he appealed for those drivers to contact police.

Anyone with information should ring 01376 501212.

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