New CCTV images were released today in an attempt to trace a man who seriously assaulted another man in Loughton in December, leaving him with a fractured jaw.

Police want to speak to a man and a woman captured on camera near Loughton Underground station late last year.

The victim of the attack, a 29-year-old man from Loughton, was in an alleyway known as Great Eastern Path, which leads from the Underground station to Roding Gardens, at around 5.30pm on December 21 when he heard a man and woman arguing.

He approached the pair and the man, described as mixed race, around 5ft 8ins tall and wearing sports clothing, punched him on the right side of his face.

Police say the blow caused severe injuries which meant a metal plate had to be inserted in the victim’s jaw.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC James Smith on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.