Police are appealing for information after a man was assaulted in Colchester town centre.

The man in his 20s was walking along the High Street with a friend at about 1.15am yesterday when they passed two men.

They engaged in conversation with the men before one of them punched the victim a number of times in the face.

The victim has suffered serious facial injuries including a broken jaw and was taken to hospital for treatment.

Police have appealed for any witnesses to come forward.

A police spokesman said this part of town was likely to have been busy at that time of night and officers are keen to speak to anyone who saw the incident.

The attack is the latest late night town centre assault.

Two women were assaulted by a gang of five after a night out in Hudson Bar in Head Street, Colchester.

A 24-year-old was punched and kicked and knocked to the ground where she was kicked in the head.

And a 26-year-old woman was hit repeatedly suffering facial injuries.

Chief Insp Shaun Kane promised high profile patrols in the town centre in a bid to reduce the violence.

Anyone with any information about the latest assault is asked to contact police on 101.