DETECTIVES are appealing for information after a man was headbutted in the face during a vicious robbery in Loughton.

The man was walking through Hillyfields Open Space on a Sunday afternoon when the thief emerged from behind a tree and asked for a lighter.

As the man reached into his pocket, his attacker headbutted him and then hit him on the neck, forcing him to fall to the ground.

The robber then went through his pockets, stealing a packet of cigarettes and a wallet.

The attack happened at around 4.45pm on Sunday February 28, but has only now been made public by police.

Pc Jacqueline Mileham said: “This incident occurred late in the afternoon.

"The victim’s route saw him cut through from Pyrles Lane down an alley into the north western edge of the field.

"If you were in the area at this time, please contact me.”

A police spokeswoman said the attacker is described as a black man in his late 20s, who is about 6ft tall and is of medium build.

He was wearing a white hooded top with the hood up, a black leather bomber jacket, pale blue jeans and silver trainers.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact PC Mileham on 0300 333 4444 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.