A CHILD had to be taken to hospital after suffering injuries in an unprovoked attack at the hands of a man wearing spiked gloves.

Essex Police are investigating an assault which took place in Queen Elizabeth Way, Colchester, at about 4.30pm on March 25.

The incident involved a 12-year-old girl who was reportedly attacked by a man as she attempted to retrieve a football from the road.

As a result of the attack, which the Gazette has only just been made aware of, the victim sustained bruising and had to be treated for her injuries at a hospital.

The suspect, who has been described as being white and slim with light brown hair, was wearing gloves with spiked pads on at the time of the assault.

Essex Police have now launched an investigation into the incident and are urging anyone who can help officers track down the man in question to contact them.

A spokesman for the force said: “We are appealing for information following an assault in Colchester where a 12 year-old girl was attacked.

“We need anyone who saw anything or has any CCTV, dash cam, or doorbell footage to contact us.

“If you have any information you can submit a report online at essex.police.uk or use the Live Chat button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.

“Alternatively, you can also call us on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting the crime reference number 42/79813/22.”