A WOMAN was assaulted after a man attempted to steal her dog in an area of woodland Colchester.

Essex Police were called to a footpath between Berechurch Hall Road and Richard Day Walk in Colchester at about 8.20pm on Wednesday.

A 22-year-old woman was walking her dog along the footpath when she said a man riding a bike attempted to grab the lead.

She pushed him away and left the area with her pooch, but was assaulted during the incident.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "She received minor injuries and our enquiries are ongoing."

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Essex Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident to come forward.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to please contact 101 or submit a report online at https://www.essex.police.uk.

The reference number to quote is 42/68071/21.