DETECTIVES are searching for the thugs who knocked a man unconscious during an unprovoked street attack in Brightlingsea.

Officers were called to High Street between midnight and 12.30am on February 25.

Today Essex Police launched a public appeal.

A spokesman said: "A 22-year-old man from Colchester was knocked unconscious and suffered a broken jaw in the incident.

"He was taken to hospital by ambulance but had to be transferred to Broomfield hospital due to the severity of his injury.

"He is currently recovering.

"There were a number of witnesses and police are looking to speak to one man in particular who was seen running to a young group of men shortly after the assault."

If you witnessed the incident or have any further information, contact PC Victoria Britton at Clacton CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.