A WOMAN was punched in the face by a bicycle bandit who tried to grab her mobile telephone in an alleyway in Clacton.

The 25-year-old victim was walking along an alleyway between Upper Branston Road and Elthorne Park when she was attacked.

The incident happened shortly after 9am on Monday, November 27.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "A man riding a black bicycle rode up behind her and attempted to grab her mobile phone from her hand.

"He was unsuccessful, then punched her in the face before riding off back into Upper Branston Road."

The suspect is described as white, had dark hair and wore black tracksuit bottoms, a black puffa jacket and white Adidas trainers.

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact Det Con Andy Dodd at Clacton CID on 101.

Alternatively, contact independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.