A YOUNG man is said to have been pinned down by a gang of teenagers and repeatedly struck over the head before a have-a-hero rushed to his rescue.

Essex Police were called to reports of an assault and attempted robbery in Mersea Road, Colchester, at about 10.15pm last Sunday.

The victim, who told police officers his attackers had attempted to snatch his bag, was found to have suffered a nasty injury to his head.

According to the man, understood to be aged in his 20s, he was set upon by three teenagers - two males and one female.

The incident was spotted by a heroic resident who raced to the victim’s defence without hesitation.

Gazette: Mersea Road, ColchesterMersea Road, Colchester (Image: Newsquest)

She said: “A young man staggered outside my property and then two boys held him while a girl repeatedly hit him over the head with an unknown weapon.

“I got to the young lad before this ended a lot worse than it already did but he had a serious gash over his head which required hospital treatment.

“Sadly, the three kids who did this got away but I just hope they are caught - I would be mortified if my children grew up to be like that.

“What is wrong with this world? I’m sure I talk for many when I say it’s extremely scary the way things are going.”

Paramedics were called to the scene but police had already taken the man to hospital. 

Essex Police have now launched an appeal to members of the public who might be able to assist them with their investigation.

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A spokesman for the force said: “Officers were called to a report of an assault and attempted robbery in Mersea Road, Colchester, on Sunday.

“If you have any information or dashcam footage please contact us and quote crime reference number 42/263569/22.

“You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday between 10am-9pm.

“Visit essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively you can call us on 101 or call 0800 555 111.”