A DOCTOR escaped an attempted mugging with a cut lip and knee.

The East London practitioner was walking towards Westcliff Train Station via Ditton Court Road at about 6.20pm on Tuesday when he was grabbed around his face from behind and pulled to the ground.

The suspect demanded money before the doctor, in his 30s, managed to run towards the station without anything being stolen.

The suspect is described as male, 5ft 11ins tall, of slim build and spoke with an Essex accent. He was wearing a puffy and possibly quilted style jacket which might have had a hood.

The doctor suffered a cut and swollen lip and a bruised and cut knee.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Con Lorraine Monte at Southend CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.