FOUR MEN arrested in connection with a brawl in Braintree town centre have been released under investigation.

Essex Police has confirmed the suspects, aged 19, 22, 50 and 51, who were arrested on suspicion of affray have been released on bail while investigations into the fight continue.

A 19-year-old man was rushed to hospital with "life-changing injuries" after he was stabbed in the hand during the brawl, which took place in Market Place around 5.20pm on Saturday.

Braintree MP James Cleverly has taken to social media to express his dismay at the incident and the Tory has joined calls for anyone with information to come forward and help officers with their investigations.

In a statement issued on Facebook on Sunday morning, he said: "This is a distressing and unacceptable thing to have happened and we must make it clear that behaviour like this will be dealt with firmly.

"I am pleased that the police were visible and active during the day and attended promptly, three people were arrested and are being held in custody for questioning.

"There were a number of videos taken of the incident, some have been shared on social media, the police ask that anyone who have footage of the incident make it available to the police to help their investigation."

Braintree Local Policing Inspector Mark Cadd added: “We understand the community are rightly concerned about this incident and we would like to reassure them.

“When we received these reports our officers were already out patrolling in the town, as they usually are, meaning they were able to reach the scene within minutes, treat the victim and apprehend the suspects.

“We know the town centre was extremely busy at the time of the incident. A number of people will have seen this incident and we also know that a number of people filmed it on mobiles and that footage has subsequently appeared on social media.

“If you saw the incident or captured footage of it and have not already spoken to us then we would urge you to do so.”

Anyone with information or footage can contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 55 111.