THUGS attacked a moped rider with a claw hammer in an apparent targeted attack.

Detectives say the man, aged in his early twenties, was stopped by the attackers who got out of a Vauxhall Astra at the corner of Mersea Road and Berechurch Hall Road last night.

Once the victim was off his moped, he was attacked with the hammer and suffered leg injuries, including a stab wound.

No arrests have been made and detectives are appealing for information on what residents believe to be a "targeted" attack.

One woman said: "He was on a moped and they got him off it and just attacked him. I couldn't really see what with.

"I don't know where they stabbed him either but it looked like his leg.

"I could see a car which either he or the person who'd done it was trying to get into.

"We had the detectives round here most of the night and we told him everything we knew.

"It has to have been targeted. People aren't just stabbed randomly in the street."

Another mum added: "It was as if they did it as they pulled him off the bike.

"It was certainly dramatic and you don't usually get people stabbed on your doorstep. I suppose that's what the world has become."

Dave Harris, Colchester councillor for the area, added: "I was contacted by many residents expressing concern over what was a moped rider being knocked off his bike followed by an attack.

"We do not expect that sort of incident round here, and am urging local neighbours to co-operate with the police."

An Essex Police spokesman said: "A man aged in his twenties was riding his motorcycle when he was stopped by suspects in a silver Vauxhall Astra.

"He was then attacked with a hammer and suffered a small stab wound to the back of the leg.

"The suspects drove off from the scene.

"The victim was taken to hospital for his injuries."

Anyone with information on the attack should call Colchester CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.