A POLICE investigation has been launched after a man was assaulted outside a busy fast-food restaurant.

Essex Police says the man, who is in his twenties, was standing outside McDonald’s in Colchester High Street when he was confronted by another man.

The victim claims the man approached him, said something and then assaulted him between 10.30pm and 11pm on August 23.

The force has now urged people with any information about the incident to come forward and help its investigation.

Gazette: Incident - a man was assaulted outside McDonald's, in Colchester High StreetIncident - a man was assaulted outside McDonald's, in Colchester High Street

Castle ward councillor Richard Kirkby-Taylor said he was shocked to hear of the incident and sent his condolences to the victim.

“There are undoubtedly issues here but, by and large, Colchester is not a bad place to be, it’s pretty safe,” said the councillor.

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“That is why this type of incident will shock us all the more because we don’t get random assaults in the middle of the street.

“I will say Colchester does have a few issues but the area is not as bad as people make out. This is what makes it more shocking when situations such as this happen.

Gazette: Suspect - Essex Police wants to speak with this manSuspect - Essex Police wants to speak with this man

“Most of the few incidents we do get are during the evening and related to the night time industry.”

Mr Kirkby-Taylor, who was elected in May this year, called for more resources to be made available to the police so they can crackdown on crime in the soon-to-be city centre.

He added: “The police are always put in a very tight situation because they are very short on resources but expected to do absolutely everything.

“I have a lot of sympathy for them, it’s certainly not a job I would choose to do.”

Gazette: Councillor - Richard Kirkby-TaylorCouncillor - Richard Kirkby-Taylor

A picture released by Essex Police of the suspect they are hunting shows him walking into McDonald’s while shirtless and wearing a chain round their neck.

The bottom half of his outfit consists of jeans and a pair of green or brown shoes.

“Anyone with information about the incident, or who has footage of it which has not yet been passed to us, is asked to contact us as soon as possible,” a police spokesman stated.

“Please quote incident 42/221255/22.”