Appeal after doorstep attack

A couple who were attacked by a stranger on the doorstep of their Essex home are recovering from their ordeal.

The man, who has not been named, needed hospital treatment after being knocked out by the attacker.

He has since been released.

An Essex Police spokesman said a man had knocked at the door of the couple's house in Fronks Road, Harwich, and asked for directions.

He then demanded the key to the couple's car.

Wife punched

When the husband refused to hand over the keys, the stranger punched him in the face, knocking him out.

His wife was also punched in the face as she came to his aid.

Police want to hear from a man seen near the victims' home before the attack on Thursday night.

The man who beat the couple was talking to a group of young people in a car which drove off towards the town centre.

The man seemed to know the people and seemed to turn down the offer of a lift.

Police have urged them to come forward.