A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a serious assault in Colchester that has left a 16-year-old fighting for his life. 

Officers were called to the incident at about 6.30pm on Tuesday, January 9 following reports of a boy being seriously assaulted.

The teenage victim was attacked on Queen Street in Colchester and taken to hospital with stab wounds, where he remains in a life-threatening condition. 

READ MORE: Counterfeit DVD seller told to pay out £127,000 and handed suspended sentence

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, officers arrested a 20-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder and he currently remains in custody.

Two cordons remain in place in the area, in Queen Street and Priory Street. 

Detective Chief Inspector Gregory Wood, of Essex Police, said: "We appreciate that this is a concerning incident for residents but please be reassured that we are investigating this assault thoroughly. 

"Our officers responded quickly and arrested a 20-year-old man this morning on suspicion of attempted murder. 

"Residents will notice an increased police presence in the area today."

Anyone with information or footage of the incident should contact Essex Police quoting incident number 808 of January 9.