A masked man was knocked out attempting to stab a man in Clacton early on Saturday morning.
The victim was walking along the Lower Promenade between the pier and neighbouring resort Holland-on-Sea at 6.30am when he was approached by a man wearing a surgical mask.
The suspect lunged at the walker with a knife and was knocked unconscious when the victim defended himself.
Police are now appealing for witnesses who saw the man lying down, or leaving the area with a facial wound.
He is described as being white, aged in his mid-20s, of medium build and was wearing a Puma tracksuit, a black hoodie and Nike trainers.
Anyone with any information should ring Clacton CID and quote crime reference number 42/93813/20.
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