Police are appealing for information after a woman was sprayed with an unknown substance and had her handbag stolen in Southend.

Officers received reports at around 10.20am yesterday, Friday, April 20, that a 19-year-old woman had been approached by a man while walking in an underpass off Southchurch Road.

The suspect has then sprayed the victim in the face with an unknown substance and ran off with her bag towards Sutton Road.

He has been described as being black and wearing black clothing including a puffed jacket.

The woman was quickly assisted by an off-duty police officer who provided her with water and waited with her until paramedics arrived.

The victim did not require hospital treatment but suffered irritation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Southend CID on quoting crime reference 42/53701/18 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.