Police are hunting a violent gang in connection with a spate of serious late night assaults on Canvey.

Four men were left battered and bruised in separate incidents in the space of just eight days on the island and two of the victims told police they were attacked by a large group of men.

PC Alex Gartshore of Canvey police described the attacks as "vicious" and urged members of the public to be careful when walking alone late at night.

Police have only just released details of two incidents at the junction between Furtherwick Road and Eastern Esplanade on consecutive weekends at the start of the month.

The first attack took place at 1.10am on Saturday, December 2, when an 18-year-old man was chased by a group of thugs who came out of two parked cars.

After running into Meadway, the man was viciously assaulted by the gang and was later taken to hospital where he needed several staples inserted in head wounds.

In the same location at 1.30am on Saturday, December 9, a group of around 15 men surrounded a 28-year-old man before launching a brutal attack.

The victim suffered a broken jaw, cracked cheekbone and cuts and bruises.

In separate incidents which are not believed to be linked to the gang, two men were also attacked at Kings Holiday Park on December 2 and 10.

The first assault happened in the car park outside Kings nightclub at 1am on December 2, when a 24-year-old man was repeatedly kicked in the face by a lone attacker.

He was later taken to hospital with a fractured left jaw bone.

Just over a week later, in the early hours of Sunday, December 10, a 23-year-old man was left bruised and beaten near the entrance of Kings Holiday Park.

The victim of this attack was left with two chipped teeth, and three stitches were needed to an eye wound.

PC Gartshore said police were urging anyone who witnessed these incidents to come forward and help them with their inquiries.

He said: "These assaults were of a violent nature and all of the victims were left seriously injured.

"We are appealing for anyone with vital information to give us a call."

PC Gartshore can be contacted at Canvey police station on 01268 511212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

By Adrian Clark

Reporter's e-mail: adrian.clark@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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