POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man was sexually assaulted in Southend.

The attack happened in Park Street where he was grabbed from behind by a man who sexually assaulted him.

It is believed to have happened between 10.15pm on Monday and 1.30am the following day.

The victim was later treated at Southend Hospital.

Investigating officer Det Insp Julie Gowan, said they were looking for a man with distinctive piercings. She said: "We believe the man involved in the attack was white, aged in his late 40s or early 50s, of medium build and had short curly hair.

"He also had two distinctive piercings in his bottom lip and one eyebrow piercing. He was wearing a charcoal grey top.

"We want to hear from anyone who know this man or might have seen him in the area of Park Street late on Monday night or in the early hours of Tuesday.”

Anyone with information should contact Southend CID on 0300 333 4444, 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 55111.