A man was left with facial injuries after being attacked in an attempted robbery.

Police and paramedics were called to the scene in Paringdon Road, between Epping Green and Harlow, at just after 5am on Saturday (April 4) following reports of a man being beaten outside of a sports club.

The 26-year-old was approached by two men who asked him for a cigarette.

He was then punched in the face and knocked to the ground.

Both men, who kicked the victim while he was on the ground and demanded he handed over his wallet, fled the scene after the man began shouting for help.

He was later went to hospital with facial injuries.

The attackers are described as white, aged 20 to 28 and of medium build.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Essex Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.