Essex police have appealed for witnesses after a man was injured trying to stop car thieves shortly before midnight on Friday.

They made the appeal after a man was assaulted in Maldon Road, Tiptree, at around 11.40pm on October 12.

Police received reports that a man was injured after disturbing two people whom he suspected of trying to break in to his vehicle.

The man suffered a serious arm injury, and has pain and discomfort to his left side after being struck numerous times with a wooden item by up to four people.

The suspects left the scene in the direction of The Ship pub in what has been described as a dark coloured car.

Anyone who has information, CCTV or dash cam footage is asked to call Colchester CID on 101 quoting incident 1574 of 13/10.

Witnesses can also report information online or calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.