The news came after Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst held a meeting with council leaders this week to discuss night-time trouble in the town.

East Anglian Daily Times: The incident happened in Colchester High Street. File picture: SU ANDERSONThe incident happened in Colchester High Street. File picture: SU ANDERSON

It also follows the stabbing of a man with a screwdriver in High Street on March 18 and a 48-hour town centre dispersal order, which was imposed following a ‘big disturbance’ outside Atik night club - also in High Street.

Mr Hirst said: “I appreciate people do feel concerned, but please be reassured there is a lot of great work going on.

“The meeting this week was extremely positive and police were able to outline the productive work they are doing with partners in both the public and private sector to tackle some of the anti-social behaviour that can lead to more serious disturbances.

“Colchester has a busy and vibrant night-time economy, but it is important we all work together so everybody feels safe, enjoys themselves and that businesses thrive.”

This week, users on social media described the town as somewhere people now avoid at night.

But Mike Lilley, Colchester Borough Council’s portfolio holder for public safety and licensing, said the situation was not as bad as people thought.

He said: “I can remember being a young lad in Colchester when it was a no go area. There was an awful lot of fights.

“We have isolated incidents. It’s not the town’s fault.”

Mr Lilley said Mr Hirst had told leaders there would be new officers coming to Colchester and there would also be more community-based policing.

Chief Inspector Shaun Kane, Colchester’s district commander, said: “My officers care passionately about providing the very best policing service in Colchester and will listen and act appropriately ensuring we put people at the heart of everything we do.

“While any isolated, spontaneous incident can naturally raise an increased fear in crime or disorder, what lays beneath the statistics is a growing sense of safety within our communities.

“I am pleased to report a reduction in incidents of violence across Colchester and incidents of anti-social behaviour are also reducing.”