Police are appealing for witnesses following an incident in which a man was injured in Clacton.

The 34-year-old was reported to have been involved in a verbal confrontation with a group of around six or seven youths in Jackson Road, around 8pm yesterday.

He ran off and is believed to have been followed by the group.

He ran into an alleyway and onto the roofs of a shopping parade, before falling from a height.

He was taken to hospital with multiple injuries.

He remains in Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, in a critical but stable condition.

Detective Sergeant Richard Edwards, of Clacton CID, said: “It is unclear how the man came to fall from the roof.

“We are appealing for witnesses who saw this group of girls and boys, who were described as being aged in their teens or early 20s.

“We also want to hear from anyone who saw what happened.”

Police are investigating whether the incident is linked to an earlier disturbance involving a large group of people in Pier Avenue, which was reported to police around 5pm yesterday.

A 38-year-old woman from Clacton was subsequently arrested on suspicion of public order offences and released under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Clacton CID on 101 or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Alternatively, visit crimestoppers-uk.org.