TWO men have admitted their role in a stabbing in Colchester's city centre which left a teen fighting for his life.

Officers were called to Queen Street at about 6.30pm on Tuesday, January 9, following reports of a boy being seriously assaulted.

Police say the victim, who was 16, was taken to hospital with stab wounds and was in a “life-threatening” condition.

He has since made a full recovery.

An investigation by Essex and Kent Serious Crime Directorate was launched and a cordon remained in the city centre over the following days.

Gazette: Incident - a police cordon was in place where Queen Street meets St Botolph's StreetIncident - a police cordon was in place where Queen Street meets St Botolph's Street (Image: Essex Police)

Officers say CCTV enquiries indicated the victim had been involved in an argument with two men inside Pepes Chicken Shop shortly before 6.30pm.

The argument had escalated into a fight in the street, where the victim sustained “multiple stab wounds”.

The investigation identified Kaya Adu, 19 and Rushi Jadeja, 21 as the main suspects.

They were arrested in Colchester on January 13 and were charged with attempted murder.

Adu was also charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

Following a hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court last Tuesday, both men admitted to grievous bodily harm with intent which was accepted.

They will appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on June 4 to be sentenced.

'Extremely concerning incident'

Detective Chief Inspector Greg Wood from Essex and Kent Serious Crime Directorate said: “This assault was extremely concerning for residents in Colchester with it taking place outside a busy fast food restaurant in the early evening.

“The victim sustained serious injuries and has had to have multiple surgeries following this assault but has thankfully made a full recovery.

“By the two men entering a guilty plea, this has saved the victim having to wait for a trial to get his justice.

“I hope this allows him to put this awful assault behind him and move forward.

“I have to commend the work of our officers, who acted quickly to preserve the scene and collect vital evidence in order to make these arrests and secure these charges.

“I also have to commend the work of the paramedics on the night, who as always worked under immense pressure to help the victim.”