AN URGENT appeal has been issued after a woman reported being mugged and assaulted in broad daylight.

The incident took place in Dalmatia Road, in Southend, at about 7.15pm on Saturday when a woman was walking to a friend’s house.

Her husband shared the appeal and warned the community across social media in a bid to help the police investigation.

He said: “My wife was mugged in broad daylight.

“Thankfully, some people she knew down that road came out to help and retrieved her bag.

“She was assaulted though and punched several times in the face.

“The suspect was a woman in her mid 30s, skinny and gaunt with a pale patchy face, horrible teeth with greasy tied-back highlighted hair.

“She was wearing blue skinny jeans, a black top and a grey hoody.” The appeal has been shared more than 600 times and received more than 300 reactions on a local crime group.

The man, who will remain anonymous added: “At first my wife was asked to go into the park at the end of the road near Riviera Drive because the woman said there was a strange man in there.

“My wife refused and made her way to a friend’s house.

“The woman followed her and tried to grab her bag before assaulting my wife and taking the bag.

“The woman fled and my wife took refuge at her friend’s.

“If anyone recognises this crime, especially the trick of trying to lure someone into a more secluded place or if anyone has had a similar experience then please let police know.

“I just wanted to warn everyone and ask you to be vigilant and stay safe.”

Essex Police confirmed they were investigating and that they are keeping the victim up to date with enquiries, which are being conducted by Southend Local Policing Team.

Anyone with information should contact them on 101.

Alternatively you can contact charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org