Police are appealing for witnesses after a mother was allegedly punched in the head in front of her teenage daughter by a man in Witham.

Police say the woman, who is in her 40s, was cycling with her daughter along Braintree Road between 1.30pm and 2pm on Sunday, June 16.

A member of the public reportedly started being verbally aggressive towards them, before punching the woman in the side of the head, causing her to fall off of her bike and sustain minor injuries.

Police said: "The man has been described as being of stocky build and with short, dark, hair.

"He was around 5ft 7ins tall, wore a bright red polo top, a beige rain mac, dark trousers and dark formal shoes.

"He was carrying a reusable plastic bag and left in the direction of Morrisons, continuing towards Witham train station.

"Following initial enquiries, a 45-year-old man from Witham has been voluntarily interviewed in connection with the incident."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/94536/19.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.