Drivers were stopped in Singleton, Ashford on Thursday night - exactly 24 hours after a serious assault on a woman in a grassed area near Manorfield.

Police officers pulled over all cars travelling along Tithe Barn Lane between 9.30pm and 10pm asking drivers whether they were in the area the previous evening.

Officers had been drafted in from outside Ashford for the investigation.

On Friday the police cordon has been lifted but officers guarded the crime scene overnight on Wednesday and all day on Thursday.

Forensic teams combed the grassed area on Thursday afternoon looking for clues.

It is believed the victim - a woman in her late 30s - was punched in the face by a man who tried to grab her handbag on Wednesday.

She was walking home after a night out with friends.

Officers investigating the incident urgently want to speak to a man seen walking two dogs, one a German shepherd, in the area at the time of the assault.

They believe he may have information that will help their investigation.

The attacker is described as about 6ft and was wearing a black or blue hooded top with the Nike 'tick’ logo on the front.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 01303 289180 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.