A WOMAN was taken to hospital after being attacked by raiders during an aggravated burglary.

Two men broke through the front door of the victim’s house in Main Road, Dovercourt, and physically assaulted her before making off with hundreds of pounds worth of cash and jewellery.

Police have released an e-fit image of a man they want to speak to following the incident which took place shortly before 11.30pm on Friday, August 8.

Tendring district commander Chief Insp Russ Cole said the serious and upsetting incident is being investigated by Det Con Michael Evans from Clacton CID.

Mr Cole said: “We understand there was a female occupant and the burglars came through the front door and a search was conducted around the home.

“It was upsetting for the occupant who was assaulted during the incident and was injured.”

The victim was taken to hospital for treatment to a minor leg injury. Mr Cole said: “My detectives are looking into other lines of investigation such as gathering CCTV footage which could help with their investigation.

“I am not seeing this incident as part of a series of burglaries and I can reassure residents it is not part of a trend that is ongoing.

“This crime is not a common occurrence and we are proactively stepping up patrols and we will do more operations around Harwich.

“Occupants of houses, particularly female occupants, should be reassured that they are safe and we will pursue all leads into this investigation.”

Mr Cole said 30 per cent of his staff are around the Harwich area and he said police patrols have been increased during the night.

“Anyone who wants to drive through Harwich at night should be aware that we are active,” he added.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “There were no other injuries aside from the injury to the victim’s leg, which was treated at hospital.

She said the police were unable to confirm the weapon used during the burglary.

One of the attackers is described as being black, around 6ft tall and of a large build, between 25 and 30-years-old with a thin styled beard.

He had a London accent and wore black tracksuit bottoms and a black t-shirt.

The second man is described as white, about 5ft tall, slim build and in his early 20s wearing grey tracksuit bottoms.

Anyone who recognises the man or has information about the incident is asked to contact 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.