A woman was left bruised after being attacked by a man as she walked through a field.

Hertfordshire Constabulary says it is investigating an assault in a field off South Way, opposite Furtherfield, Leavesden, on Thursday, March 25.

Around 1pm, a man walked up behind the victim and pulled her coat, before allegedly punching her in the face causing bruising.

The man is described as being white and around 6ft tall.

He was wearing a dark face mask, a dark hoodie, dark gloves and spoke with a London accent, police said.

Police believe the incident was a targeted attack and are appealing for information and witnesses.

PC Katie Wilkinson, of the Hertsmere Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “We are supporting the victim following her ordeal and we are looking at several lines of enquiry, however I want to reassure the community that our initial investigations suggest she was not targeted at random.

“I’m looking to hear from anyone who was in the South Way area around the time of this incident and saw anything suspicious.

“Also, if you live nearby and have relevant CCTV footage of the vicinity then I would like to hear from you.

“If you are able to help I can be contacted directly via email at katie.wilkinson@herts.pnn.police.uk”

People can also call 101, quoting crime reference 41/21712/21.

For more crime news across Watford, St Albans and Borehamwood, make sure to visit our Facebook page here