A SUSPECT remains at large after a man reported he was hit with a crossbow bolt.

Essex Police confirmed officers are investigating after an assault in East Street, Colchester, at around 6.30pm on Saturday.

The victim, a man aged in his 20s, reported being hit with a bolt from a crossbow.

A police spokesman said: "He was taken to hospital for treatment for minor injuries.

"Officers carried out a search of the area for the suspect and there are ongoing arrest attempts to locate the suspect."

East Street, in Colchester, was cordoned off by police officers yesterday afternoon as officers looked to trace the suspect.

Gazette: Search - officers are still looking to trace a suspectSearch - officers are still looking to trace a suspect

Witnesses reported seeing armed police breaking down the door of a property in the street, near the junction with Ipswich Road, not far from the railway level crossing.

One man told the Gazette: “They blocked off the road – everyone had to leave.

“I’m not sure what happened, but the road was cordoned off and there were armed police."

Read more>>>Armed police cordon off street following armed response to 'crossbow' incident in Colchester

“It was someone’s house. They kicked the door down or used whatever they use.

“It happened a couple of hours ago and there is still a police presence, but the road is back open.”

Anyone with information can call Essex Police on 101 quoting incident number 1099 of Saturday 11 September or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.