A young woman was kicked in the head on the ground and another was attacked at the venue in Colchester during a night out earlier this month, Essex Police have said.

The two victims, aged in their 20s, were out together at Hudson Bar in Head Street on August 13.

At around 1am, one of the women was walking along Head Street towards High Street when she was approached by a group of five women aged in their early 20s near Sports Direct.

The 24-year-old was punched and kicked and knocked to the ground, where she was kicked in the head. She suffered bruising, cuts and swelling.

Shortly after, the suspects entered Hudson Bar and two of them assaulted the second woman. The 26-year-old was struck repeatedly and suffered injuries to her face.

A 25-year-old woman from Colchester was arrested on suspicion of assault and released on bail until September 16, pending further enquiries.

Essex Police said: “Police want to speak to anyone who saw what happened in either incident. They are also keen to speak to anyone who was in the area between 12.55am and 1.20am or any drivers who were passing and have dashcam footage.

“Officers have been given descriptions of four of the suspects. One was white, with long black hair and wore a red or orange dress. The second was white, had dark hair put up in a bun, and wore an orange or red off the shoulder top and black skirt. The third was white, with dark hair, and wore a khaki dress and black boots.

“The fourth was white, with shoulder length hair, and wore a white bodycon-style dress.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Pc Danni Bryant at Colchester Police Station on 101. Alternatively, contact independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.