A MAN remains in a life-threatening condition in hospital after being injured in a fight in Colchester town centre.

Police say the man was knocked unconscious and suffered a head injury during the fracas in St Botolph's Street.

Officers were called to the scene around 4.20am on Saturday and immediately cordoned off the road and part of Queen Street.

The injured man, 46, was rushed to hospital and was still fighting for his life yesterday, police said.

A 20-year-old man, from West Bergholt, and 19-year-old man, from Colchester, were both arrested on Saturday on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

They have been released on conditional bail until September 22.

Gazette:  Police cordon on Queen Street after man suffers life-threatening injuries in fight. Picture: Steve Brading Police cordon on Queen Street after man suffers life-threatening injuries in fight. Picture: Steve Brading

A woman, aged 19 and from Colchester, was arrested yesterday morning on suspicion of affray.

She remains in custody for questioning

A police spokesman said: "From our enquiries so far, no weapons were seen during the assault and we continue to review CCTV footage and speak to witnesses.

"Anyone who was in the area and saw what happened is asked to speak to officers at the scene or contact us."

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Gazette:  Police cordon on Queen Street after man suffers life-threatening injuries in fight. Picture: Steve Brading Police cordon on Queen Street after man suffers life-threatening injuries in fight. Picture: Steve Brading

Colchester Council's safety boss, Simon Crow, echoed the police's appeal for witnesses to come forward.

He said: "It was a shocking incident and something we never really want to see in our town.

“As always, I would urge people to get in touch with police if they know what happened or saw anything that might be linked to this.

“These kind of things are thankfully rare but it’s always terrible to hear about them when they do happen.

“I really hope the man pulls through and is able to make a recovery.”

Part of St Botolph's Street and Queen Street remained close throughout Saturday morning while detectives continued their investigations.

Gazette: Traffic was diverted along East Street after fight in St Botolph's Street. Picture: Steve Brading Traffic was diverted along East Street after fight in St Botolph's Street. Picture: Steve Brading

Traffic was diverted down East Hill and congestion in the area meant some Pride celebrations - taking place at Firstsite - were delayed.

Anyone with information about the incident should call police on 101 and quote incident 232 of August 28.

Information can also be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.