Police are urging residents with dashcam or ring doorbell footage to come forward as they investigate a shocking assault on a woman in St Leonards. The incident occurred on Friday, October 20, at around 19.00 BST in Kenilworth Road. Authorities are seeking any information that could help identify the suspect involved.

According to reports, a man was heard shouting in the area when a concerned woman approached him to inquire about his well-being. Showing kindness, she offered to ask her neighbour if he could use their bathroom and provided him with a glass of water. However, after using the bathroom, the man followed the woman and assaulted her before fleeing towards the seafront.

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 6 feet tall, aged between 30 and 40. Witnesses noted that he had a thin build and was missing his bottom front teeth. He was last seen wearing dark-coloured jeans and a baseball cap, while carrying a brown backpack.

Detective Constable Debora Baptista, leading the investigation, highlighted the urgency of identifying the suspect. She emphasised that the victim was merely attempting to be a Good Samaritan by offering assistance, but tragically, her kind gesture resulted in a violent assault. In order to bring justice to the victim and ensure the safety of the community, the police are appealing to anyone who may have information or relevant footage to come forward.

If you have any information that can assist in the investigation, please report it online or call 101, quoting serial 1222 of 20/10.