A 20-year-old woman suffered severe swelling and bruising to her face after being attacked as she walked home in the early hours.

The woman had left the Millennium nightclub and was walking home with a man she had met that night.

The pair had walked past the Extreme garage and along Velizy Avenue and into the grounds of Harlow College when the man tried to kiss her. The woman pulled away and as she did so the man rained a series of heavy blows down on her face, police said.

The woman managed to walk home but was later taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, for treatment.

The man was white, aged between 18 and 22, of average to slim build and about 5ft 10ins tall. He had a baby face with a turned up nose and spiky brown hair.

Police are appealing for witnesses, in particular a young couple who were sitting on the concrete terraces opposite the tennis courts by Harlow College. The woman had long blonde hair and was in her late teens.

A police spokesman said: "After this woman had been subjected to this horrific attack she ran past the tennis courts next to the college where a young couple inquired as to her physical appearance and also her well being."

He added the victim, who was bleeding and confused, was too frightened to stop and ran off towards Broadfields.

"This young woman remains in a very fragile state and we want to ensure for her and her family that this attacker is found quickly before he has another chance to strike again," he said.

Any information about the June 3 attack to Harlow police station on 01279 641212.

June 13, 2002 10:30