A DRIVER has been left with serious facial injuries after he was attacked while sat in his car in the middle of Braintree town centre.

Essex Police is appealing for information following the vicious assault, which happened near to the Bull pub in Market Place shortly after 2am on Saturday.

The victim, a man in his 20s, was sat in his blue VW Golf when he was approached by a man described as being white and aged in his mid-20s.

The man is said to have opened the car door and attempted to grab the victim's phone.

When the victim tried to stop the suspect, he was then punched multiple times in the face and left with what police say were serious injuries to his face.

A force spokesman said: "The suspect, who left the scene on foot, was additionally described as being around 5ft 6ins tall, wore a white t-shirt, dark jeans and white shoes. He had a large tattoo on his forearm.

"Our officers are urging the man mentioned in this appeal to hand himself in at Braintree police station."

Anyone who witnessed the incident and may have information, or who was driving past and may have dash cam footage, is asked to call Braintree CID on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/139583/19.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers completely anonymously on 0800 555 111 or submit information through their website.