A MAN is fighting for his life after he was attacked in Colchester.

Eyewitnesses reported the victim suffered a serious head, and possible brain injury, with blood seeping from his ear.

Detectives are appealing for anyone who witnessed the attack to get in touch as soon as possible.

The incident took place on a path along Gardenia Walk close to Hawthorn Avenue on the Greenstead estate at 5.30pm on Wednesday.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “A man in his 50s was assaulted.

“He suffered serious head injuries and is currently in a life-threatening condition in hospital.

“A 41-year-old man from Colchester has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.

“He was taken to Colchester police station where he remains in custody.”

Those living nearby spoke out after seeing a large crowd form and police and paramedics arrive outside their homes.

Neighbour Julie, 56, said: “I was on the computer in the front room when I saw the ambulance and the police.

“My granddaughter was asleep and there were a crowd of people forming.

“Lots of people had gone across and I wasn’t sure what had happened.

“I looked out and you could see a man on the floor.

“A lady was with him, trying to support him and get him up.

“She was cuddling him.

“He was trying to get up but struggling to stand up when the ambulance, paramedics and police arrived.

“He was bleeding out of his right ear.

“Someone had punched him, knocked him unconscious.”

It is understood he was also hurt from hitting the concrete.

Witnesses reported a man picking up a bag from the area and leaving after acting strangely.

Once the emergency services arrived the victim was disorientated.

Julie explained: “He did not want to lie down.

“They had to help him down before he was taken in the ambulance.

“I just really hope he is OK.

“It is not the first time I have seen something like this.

“Things like this can happen on Greenstead.”

Alex Mezodi, 21, has lived there for about five years.

He said: “I saw the police and ambulance come out the front.

“The officers knocked on all the doors and they asked for anyone who saw or knew what happened to talk to the police.

“Things like this are not all that common round here and normally I feel safe.

“I am pretty surprised something like this happened and I hope he is OK.”

A group of teenagers are understood to have come over after the row began.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is asked to contact Colchester CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.