AN ESSEX vicar has suffered a broken jaw after an horrific unprovoked attack as he made his way to church.

James Hore

AN ESSEX vicar has suffered a broken jaw after an horrific unprovoked attack as he made his way to church.

Reverend Guy Thorburn was heading towards St John's Church in Clacton when he was approached by two teenagers in Valley Road.

One of the two youths assaulted the vicar, who was wearing his dog collar, leaving him with a broken jaw.

The yob then made off on a bike.

Rev Thornburn was taken to Colchester General Hospital where he was treated for his injuries before being discharged.

Police said last night that the assault on Saturday evening had been totally unprovoked, confirming it was not a failed attempt at a mugging.

Rev Thorburn declined to speak about the incident but press officer for the Chelmsford Diocese, Ralph Meloy said it had been a shocking incident.

Inspector Kevan Griggs said: “This was a particularly nasty and unprovoked assault on a member of the clergy.

“Fortunately incidents like this are very rare in Clacton.”

Police are appealing for the public's help following the assault which took place at about 8.45pm last Saturday.

The youth who attacked Rev Thorburn was white, aged 17 to 18 with fair curly hair, about 5ft 9ins tall, slim build and wearing a light coloured top.

Anyone with information, or who recognises the youth from the description, is asked to contact Clacton CID on 0300 333 4444 or information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

james.hore@eadt.co.uk