A GOOD Samaritan suffered a broken nose and wrist after he was set upon by a group of youths in an attack with a knife and hammer.

Police are appealing for information after a serious assault left two men injured in Magdalen Street, Colchester, at around 7.30pm on Sunday.

One of the men sustained serious facial injuries which led to him falling into the road.

Police believe he may have been struck, or nearly struck, by a vehicle travelling towards the town centre.

The man, aged in his 30s, was treated for his injuries at the scene and was taken to hospital. His injuries are not life-threatening.

A second man was also injured with a source close to him confirming he had suffered a broken nose and wrist.

She said the victim had been having a socially distanced chat with a family member and a friend in Magdalen Street, when the group noticed some youths trying to break in to the Aldi supermarket across the road.

“He could see they were kicking the grid over the doors,” she said.

“So he and his relative approached them and said ‘What are you doing’ and ‘Stop it’.

“Then they were attacked by the youths, who had a knife and hammer.

“His relative ended up in the road with his face slashed open.

“He had a broken nose and a broken wrist.

“The more seriously injured victim went to hospital immediately, while the other went to hospital a bit later – he couldn’t remember much after the incident.

“The attackers seemed to be between the ages of 16 or 17, and there were three of them.

“Thankfully an off-duty paramedic could help. Police were there within about nine minutes.”

The source said the victim had been left suffering with some emotional trauma after trying to do a good deed.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “We are pursuing several lines of inquiry into and would encourage anyone with information on it who has not already come forward to speak to us, to do so.”

Thee men have been arrested in relation to the incident and released on bail.

Anyone with information can call 101, quoting reference number 42/32802/21.

Information can also be given to independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or https://crimestoppers-uk.org.