Police are trying to trace a couple who may have seen a man being assaulted.

A 28-year-old Braintree man was punched and kicked by another man in Lister Road, Braintree, near a block of garages, sometime between 5.30pm and 7.30pm on Saturday, June 13.

He suffered bruising and swelling to his head.

DC Chris Sedgwick, of Braintree CID, said: "I am keen to trace a couple who were walking a dog in the area at the time and would have witnessed the assault.

"They may have vital information and I would urge them to come forward.”

Police would also like to hear from anyone who has found a dumbbell bar or similar in Notley Road near the bridge over the A120.

A 27-year-old man from Chelmsford, a 22-year-old man from South Woodham Ferrers and a 28-year-old man from Dunmow, were arrested in connection with the incident and have been released on police bail until August 1, pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information can contact DC Sedgwick on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.