A 19-year-old suffered serious stab wounds in an attack moments after a large fight broke out in a busy town centre, police believe.

East Anglian Daily Times: Braintree MP James Cleverly urged people to call Essex Police about the attack Picture: PAGEPIX LTDBraintree MP James Cleverly urged people to call Essex Police about the attack Picture: PAGEPIX LTD (Image: Pagepix Ltd.07976 935738)

Officers on patrol rushed to the scene of the brawl in Market Place, Braintree, at around 5.20pm yesterday.

They arrived within a matter of minutes and found a teenager with stab wounds to his hand.

He was taken to hospital and his injuries are described as life-changing.

Four men – aged 51, 50, 22 and 19 – were arrested on suspicion of affray in connection with the fight.

They are still in police custody, where they are being quizzed by officers.

Now detectives investigating the fight want people who captured footage of it to get in touch.

“We understand the community are rightly concerned about this incident and are asking any witnesses to get in touch,” said Braintree Local Policing Inspector Mark Cadd.

“We know the town centre was extremely busy at the time of the incident.

“A number of people will have seen this incident and we also know that a number of people filmed it on mobiles and that footage has subsequently appeared on social media.

He added: “If you saw the incident or captured footage of it and have not already spoken to us then we would urge you to do so.”

Braintree MP James Cleverly also urged people to call police with information.

“This is a distressing and unacceptable thing to have happened and we must make it clear that behaviour like this will be dealt with firmly,” he said.

“I am please that the police were visible and active during the day and attempted promptly.”

Call Essex Police with information or footage on 101.

Or, pass on details anonymously via 0800 555 111.