A crime-fighting charity has offered a reward of up to £5,000 for information on the whereabouts of man wanted in connection with the attempted murder of his former partner.

John Berry, 28, is wanted for questioning by Essex police after his former partner Mary Connor was seriously assaulted at her home in Dunmow on Monday, July 24.

The attack had left Miss Connor with two broken cheekbones, a broken jaw and a ruptured spleen.

Following the assault, she was treated in hospital and required reconstructive facial surgery.

Crimestoppers is now offering a reward of up to £5,000 for any information that leads to Berry’s arrest.

Dave Hunter, head of operations at Crimestoppers, said: “This is a nasty assault and the injuries suffered by Mary Connor almost killed her - this is a scary ordeal she has gone through and John Berry needs to answer the police’s questions.

“That is why I am asking for your help in telling us where he is.

“I promise that nobody will ever know that you contacted us, you will be 100% Anonymous. Always.

“Please speak up and keep your community safe.”

Berry is described as white, around 5ft 6ins tall, slim, with hair that is sometimes tied up.

He has a number of tattoos on his upper arms and on his chest and also goes by the name of Jonny.

Berry is believed to have links to Gloucestershire, Cambridgeshire, Wales and Ireland.

Police initially appealed to the public for information to trace Berry in October.

At the time, Detective inspector Kelly Thurston, from Essex Police, said: “We would appeal for anyone with information about Mr Berry’s whereabouts to make contact with police immediately.

“We would like to speak to him about a very serious assault and need to locate him as a matter of urgency.

“Mr Berry has connections to various counties around the UK, and connections to Ireland.”

Police advise the public not to approach Berry if they see him but to call 999 immediately.

If you have any information on the whereabouts of John Berry please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through the charity’s non-traceable anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org