A MAN has been left with "life-changing injuries" having being stabbed after a brawl in Braintree town centre.

Four men, aged 51, 50, 22 and 19, were arrested on suspicion of affray at Market Place and remain in custody.

Police were tipped off about the fight by witnesses, shortly after 5pm yesterday.

Braintree Local Policing Inspector, Mark Cadd, said: “We understand the community are rightly concerned about this incident and we would like to reassure them.

“When we received these reports our officers were already out patrolling in the town, as they usually are, meaning they were able to reach the scene within minutes, treat the victim and apprehend the suspects.  

"Our patrols of the town centre are continuing today.

“We know the town centre was extremely busy at the time of the incident.

"A number of people will have seen this incident and we also know that a number of people filmed it on mobiles and that footage has subsequently appeared on social media.

“If you saw the incident or captured footage of it and have not already spoken to us then we would urge you to do so.”

A disturbing video of the fight was first posted on Twitter.

The 45-second clip shows punches reigning down on a man while an onlooker's dog barked at the chaos.

Viewers see a man, wearing a grey tracksuit and black gloves, throw punches at a group of people huddled together.

More violence follows and a shop A-board is flung at someone, hitting them in the head.

The same happens again before someone is chased around the corner, out of view of the camera.

Viewers have also pointed out what they believe was a knife in someone's hand.

Anyone with information or footage can contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 55 111.