A MAN is critically ill in hospital after falling from a roof as he tried to escape from a gang of youths.

The 34-year-old was reported to have been involved in a verbal confrontation with a group of around six or seven youths in Jackson Road, Clacton, at about 8pm on Wednesday.

He ran off but is believed to have been followed by the group.

He ran into an alleyway and on to the roofs of a shopping parade, before falling from a height.

The man was taken to hospital with multiple injuries. He remains in Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, in a critical but stable condition.

Det Sgt Richard Edwards, of Clacton CID, said: “It is unclear how the man came to fall from the roof.

“We are appealing for witnesses who saw this group of girls and boys, who were described as being aged in their teens or early 20s.

"We also want to hear from anyone who saw what happened."

Police are investigating whether the incident is linked to an earlier disturbance involving a large group of people in Pier Avenue, which was reported to police at about 5pm the same day.

A 38-year-old woman from Clacton was arrested on suspicion of public order offences and later released while investigations continue.

Anyone with information should contact Clacton CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.