POLICE are trying to identify a man seen on CCTV near an alleyway where a jogger was attacked on Thursday night.

Police want to speak to the man in connection with the incident, which happened at about 9.45pm in an alleyway between Port Land and Peache Road, Colchester.

The woman was approached by a man who lunged at her.

She was able to push him away and get home.

Police officers cordoned off the footpath overnight, while searches were carried out.

The CCTV footage, which is from 9.47pm, was taken from a camera overlooking the pathway about 30m away from where the attack happened.

The man captured removes some headwear with his left hand as he walks along and is also carrying another piece of clothing over his right arm.

The suspect in the attack is described as being white, in his early 20s, and around 5ft 7in to 5ft 8in tall. He was of medium build and had a narrow face, appeared unwell, and possibly had fair hair.

At the time of the assault he was wearing a black hooded top and possibly had on underneath a dark top with a red logo on it.

The incident happened just days after student Nahid Al-Manea was murdered on a footpath in Greenstead.

A police spokesman said: “Detectives from the murder investigation are looking closely at this incident but there is nothing to link it at this time.”

Anyone who recognises the man, or who saw any suspicious behaviour in the area at the time should contact Essex Police on 01245282103 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800555111