POLICE have appealed for information after a series of assaults which left a man needing surgery for serious facial injuries.

The incident is believed to have started when a row developed between two men at The Street in Little Clacton on Monday at about 7.30pm.

Within the next half-hour between The Street and Holland Road, two groups of people became involved in violent incidents including an assault in which a man in his 40s received facial injuries that required surgery.

Five people, all from the Clacton area, were arrested in connections with the incidents.

A 48-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault, a 45-year-old man on suspicion of affray, a 46-year-old woman on suspicion of having an offensive weapon, a 19-year-old man on suspicion of affray and having an offensive weapon and an 18-year-old man on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm.

All five have been bailed until July 10 pending further enquiries.

A 40-year-old man arrested for obstructing a police officer was given a caution.

Officers are keen to trace a man wearing a blue polo top who was believed to have been involved in the incident.

Anyone with information should call Pc Sargant at Clacton area investigation team on 101.