Colchester assault – woman arrested and man on the run

The incident took place at 11.05am on Saturday at the junction of St John’s Walk and Abbeygate Street, where a man suffered injuries to his stomach and head.

A woman was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.

Police are hunting a man the force has named as Alex Potter.

The public have been warned not to approach him.

Investigation – police made enquiries in St John's Green, with the assault having taken place in nearby St John's Walk (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

Potter, 32, is described has having short dark hair, stubble, and has connections to Colchester.

The victim of the assault was taken to hospital by paramedics from the East of England Ambulance Service.

As part of the incident, police then made enquiries in St John’s Green and cordoned off a substantial portion of the area where armed officers were seen on patrol.

About six police officers were on the scene to divert drivers and pedestrians, with one police van prevent entry to St John’s Green via the A134 Southway.

Appeal – anyone who sees Alex Potter should call 999 immediately (Image: Essex Police)

A second police vehicle was parked in Flagstaff Road.

One resident in the area told the Gazette the police cordon “did not look good”.

They said: “I was obviously a little bit surprised – I wouldn’t have expected to see it there, especially when we don’t know what’s happened.”

Mark Goacher, Green councillor for Castle ward, said he was shocked by the incident, which happened in broad daylight.

He said: “It’s a terrible incident to have happened in daylight.

Scene – a police officer directs a member of public round the police cordon (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

“I always think of Abbeygate as a really nice street, so obviously I am shocked and I would urge everybody to follow the instructions of the police.

“It’s really not something I would expect on a Saturday morning when everyone is out shopping.”

Sam McLean, councillor for New Town and Christ Church, added: "I wish the victim a full recovery and that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

"If you have any information offer in the investigation, then I urge you to contact the police."

Scene – two officers patrol the cordon on Saturday (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

"If you see the wanted man then do not approach him. Keep distant and dial 999 as soon as safely possible."

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Our enquiries are continuing and we would now like to speak to 32-year-old Alex Potter connection with this incident.

“If you see Alex, please do not approach him and call 999.

“Quote incident number 470 of 13 April.”