An attack on a man at a property in Essex is being treated as a hate crime by police.

A “shocking” attack on a man at a property in Essex is being treated as a hate crime by police.

The victim, aged in his 20s, was attacked by two men who forced their way into an address in Laurel Avenue, Harwich, around 9.10pm on Saturday, March 17.

He suffered bruising to the left side of his head and cuts and bruises to his arms, torso, and legs.

The victim believes he was targeted because he was black and the attack is being treated by Essex Police as a hate crime.

John Brown, mayor of Harwich, said he found news of the incident “upsetting”.

“It’s not acceptable,” he said. “Harwich is a lovely place and a lot of people move to this town.

“When you hear of things like this, it’s upsetting.

“You hear of these incidents in big cities and other towns but when it’s this close to home it’s shocking.

“It has to be sorted out. The councils and the police have to work together.

“It’s a serious incident and I don’t like to hear about it.

“But it’s happened now and something needs to be done.”

Descriptions of the two men involved in the attack have been issued by police.

The first man is described as white and wearing a red rain jacket, black trousers, a black scarf around his face, and white and red trainers.

The second man is described as white and wearing black clothing and white Reebok Classic trainers.

Officers are keen to speak to anyone who has any information about what happened.

Any information about this incident can be reported to police on 101, quoting the crime reference number 42/37007/18

Alternatively, people can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111 or report information online via the crime fighting charity’s website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Essex Police says all incidents that are defined as hate crime are referred to a specialist team of officers.

These specialist Hate Crime Officers (HCOs) have established links with other criminal justice agencies, as well as many public and voluntary sector organisations, and are able to provide victims with support and advice.

For more information on hate crime and the way it can be reported, people can visit www.essex.police.uk