POLICE are investigating an assault on a woman who had her "head stamped on" outside a pub.

Officers received reports that a large fight broke out outside the Stingray pub, in Church Street, Harwich, at about 1am on December 27.

A woman in her twenties reported that as she left the venue around this time she was forced to the ground.

She then told officers that her head was stamped on.

She managed to get home with the help of a friend and an ambulance was called.

The woman was taken to hospital and treated for serious injuries.

Investigating officer PC Mitchel Porter said: "We would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed a fight outside the pub during the early hours of 27 December, or an assault on a woman.

"We believe there was a group of people nearby and we are keen to speak to anyone in the group or passers-by, who may have seen the incident.

"If you have any information, please contact us on 101, quoting crime reference 42/4640/20."

Information can also be given anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

The East of England Ambulance Service has been contacted for comment.