POLICE are appealing for information after a woman was touched inappropriately on a footpath in Laindon.

The victim, a woman in her 20s, was walking along Mayland Path at around 6.30pm on Tuesday 10 August when a cyclist she didn't know approached her. He touched her inappropriately before cycling in the direction of the Langdon Hills Tesco.

The man has been described as white and being of slim build. He was on a black mountain bike, and wore a grey quilted jacket with his hood up, black jeans and trainers.

A police statement says: "We are also looking to make contact with a key witness, a man who spoke to the victim after the incident. He has been described as being white, around 5ft 8ins tall, and having ginger hair and facial hair. He wore dark jeans and a navy blue t-shirt.

"Anyone with information that can assist our investigation is asked to make contact with Basildon's Local Policing Team.

"If you have any information you can submit a report online here where you can use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am and 11pm. Please quote the crime reference number 42/164200/21.

"You can also call us on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."