A WOMAN was left with a fractured skull after being stamped on during a "vicious" attack in Clacton town centre.

The victim, who is in her 30s, was attacked by two men and a woman outside a property in The Grove on Thursday at about 2.30am on Thursday.

She was assaulted and knocked to the floor where she was punched and had her head stamped on, leaving her with a fractured skull.

The woman was taken to hospital for treatment, but it is not believed that her condition is life-threatening.

Det Sgt Phil Terry, from Clacton CID, said: “This was a really vicious attack which has left the victim with a really serious injury.

“We believe there were a number of people in the area at the time who will have seen what happened I need them to contact my team.”

The incident happened a matter of hours after a man was threatened with a knife and robbed in Station Road.

He was approached by three men outside the Natwest bank in Station Road, shortly before 10.45pm on Wednesday, before having his wallet, which contained a three-figure sum of cash, and other items stolen.

It is not believed that the incidents are linked.

Pier ward councillor Paul Honeywood said he was cornered to hear about the incidents.

"My thoughts go out to the victims and their relatives - the attack in The Grove was particularly violent and unpleasant.

"The district council has recently given additional funds to the police to increase patrols in the town centre during the summer.

"This has only just started but hopefully it will improve the area and give the public more confidence.

"We have also undertaken interviews for a fulltime town centre enforcement officer.

"Although they will not be dealing with such violent crimes as theses, their presence will hopefully deter wrongdoers and free up more time for the police to deal with these issues."

Witnesses to the incident, or anyone with CCTV or dash cam footage, is asked to call the police on 101 quoting incident 171 of July 11.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.