A GOOD samaritan came to the aid of a teenage girl who was viciously attacked in a car park Police are now trying to trace the man who stepped in to help after he saw the 18-year-old being punched in the ribs before she was thrown against some parked cars.

The assault happened in the car park area at the end of Anson Chase, Shoebury, where the attacker targeted the woman while a group of his friends looked on.

When the passer-by tried to intervene he was set upon by the whole group.

Luckily, the woman escaped without any visible injuries.

Police believe her rescuer also did not suffer any serious injuries, but he fled the scene at 7pm on Thursday, May 19 without speaking to them.

PC Reuben Brame, of Southend police, said: “I am keen to trace a man who tried to intervene and stop the assault, only to end up being set upon himself by friends of the suspect.

“This man has not come forward to police, but I would be very keen to hear from him as he may be a key witness.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Brame at Shoebury police station on 0300 3334444.