A TERRIFIED pensioner is hoping police can track down the man who grabbed her in a public toilet before making menacing threats.

The victim, aged in her 60s, entered a public toilet in Western Esplanade near to The Leas, Westcliff, in broad daylight.

She said: “I walked into the women’s toilet and I thought he was following me in.

“I went into the cubicle, he came in and attacked me in there.

“He said to me ‘you know what I could do to you now’.”

The incident took place at 4pm on Sunday, July 22. However police have yet to identify the person responsible.

The victim is concerned he could do it again to someone else and next time may carry out his threats.

She told the Echo she expected the police to have acted more quickly to catch the culprit.

She added: “I am trying to come up with another word for frustrated.

“I have had calls from officers who have wanted to interview me on the phone, but I have not been visited by them.

“I have asked them for more information about what is happening, but I have not heard from anyone since September 8.

“I am appealing to the police to find out how far the investigation has got.”

A police spokesman said: “Our investigation into this incident has been very thorough and the investigating officer has been in regular contact with the victim.

“Unfortunately, no witnesses have come forward following a public appeal, and there were also no forensic or CCTV opportunities available.”

The woman suffered bruising from being grabbed.

The man is described as aged in his late-40s, around 5ft 3ins tall and having short black hair.

He was wearing a shirt and trousers and spoke with either a French or Italian accent.

A man was interviewed by police but later released and no further action will be taken against the initial suspect.

Officers are still appealing for information about this or any similar incidents.

The police spokesman added: “If new evidence or information comes to light, that will be reviewed.

“Additionally, should anyone have information about the incident, call Southend policing team on 101.