The industry is being urgently warned to be on its guard after a woman agent was attacked on a viewing in an empty property on Monday afternoon.

Thankfully, as a result of her bravery she is safe, but West Midlands police have issued warnings to agents.

The incident began at 2pm when a man telephoned an estate agency in Halesowen stating that he was at an address waiting for a named member of staff, having made an appointment to view a property.

There was no appointment in the diary, so brief details were obtained and the named staff member went to the property on her own.

A man was already at the property, in the rear garden.

When the agent opened the back door, the man immediately pushed her against a wall, causing injury.

She managed to kick him in the shin and he made off.

Police describe him as Afro-Caribbean, aged 30 to 35, of fat or stocky build and clean-shaven. He was wearing black clothes, including a black hat, black scarf and a black jacket with a white logo on the chest.

In what could have been a chilling reminder of the Suzy Lamplugh case, police are now issuing safety advice to agents. Obtain full details of the person requiring a viewing – name, date of birth, home address, landline and mobile telephone numbers, and their circumstances, for example, the name of any agent the person’s home might be for sale with.

Check the diary to confirm appointments and check clients’ authenticity. Call back the number given.

Two staff members should attend viewings.

Where only one staff member can attend, that member should call the office when the viewer arrives. The viewer should hear the conversation, which should include how long the agent thinks the viewing will last. The office should then call at that time point.

Agents should tell their colleagues where they are going, who they are meeting and what their expected timings are.

Agents should trust their instincts.

Full safety advice is available at the Suzy Lamplugh Trust website