Police are appealing for witnesses after a teenager was assaulted during a music event in Colchester on Easter Sunday.

The 18-year-old man suffered serious injuries during the incident at Weston Homes Community Stadium, home to Colchester United Football Club.

The victim was reportedly assaulted at around 10.15pm by two men in the designated smoking area outside the venue.

Following initial medical assistance from venue staff, the teen was taken to hospital.

The incident occurred during the ‘Swing Bank Holiday Special’ event, which took place between 2pm on Sunday, April 1 and 2am on Monday, April 2.

The popular event, featuring house music artists Josh Butler, Max Chapman and Will Taylor, is thought to have attracted people from across Essex and Suffolk – and had over 1000 guests invited on Facebook.

Mike Lilley, councillor and portfolio holder for public safety and licensing at Colchester Borough Council, said: “We’ll have to look into it. We take very seriously any form of assault.”

Mr Lilley added that organisers had a responsibility to make sure large scale club-style events such as these were stewarded properly.

He said: “[These events] have to be in the proper conditions.

“If they haven’t done things correctly, we will take action.”

While he said he was very concerned about the incident – and the event in question hadn’t come up on the council’s radar before, Mr Lilley said incidents of this kind weren’t unheard of in Colchester.

He added: “There has always been little fights here and there, and it is often because people have had too much to drink.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We are looking to speak to anyone who was at the event and witnessed the assault or has any information about the identity of those involved.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Matt Collins on 101 quoting reference 42/44411/18. Alternatively, contact charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information.

A spokesperson for Colchester United confirmed that the incident occured at a private hire event.

The event organisers Swing Sundays have been approached for comment.