A WOMAN was punched in the face and assaulted by a man calling at her home was a victim of mistaken identity, police believe.

Detectives have released an e-fit of the man they believe assaulted the woman in Thorpe Hall Avenue, Thorpe Bay, on March 3.

At about 12.45pm a man called at the address and, when the woman in her forties answered the door, he punched her in the face and further assaulted her, leaving her with small lacerations.

He told then told her "tell Andy he is next" but no-one of that name lives at the premises. The man then left and nothing was stolen from the victim.

He is described as white, in his 40s, 5ft 8ins–6ft tall, of stocky build, with dark wavy hair that was just above shoulder length, wearing a dark hooded jacket similar to Superdry and dark gloves.

He had a local, well pronounced, accent.

PC Victoria Leese from Southend CID said "This was a nasty unprovoked attack and we need to find the man responsible.

"We believe this is a case of mistaken identity and anyone with any information about this incident or the suspect should call Southend CID on 101 or Crimestoppers where they can give information anonymously on 0800 555 111."