A man was in intensive care today after being attacked outside a Harwich pub.

The man, in his 50s, who is from the town, was pushed over and fractured his skull on the pavement.

Police today appealed for any witnesses to the incident to come forward.

Sgt Andy Hooke said a man was standing outside the British Flag pub in West Street at 7.30pm last night when the assault took place.

He added: "He appears to have got into an argument and he has been pushed and has fallen and cracked his head on the concrete."

The man was taken to Colchester General Hospital and today remained in a "critical" condition, said a spokesman.

Sgt Hooke said: "At that time of evening there's people at the chip shop down the road, people are walking from one place to the other and taxis are going up and down, it's a reasonably busy area."

Anyone with information should contact DC Bernie King at Harwich police on 01255 221312.

A man was arrested last night in connection with the assault and was being questioned at Clacton Police Station.

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