Update: 1300 hrs

A MAN has been critically injured and another was knocked unconscious in what is believed to be an unprovoked assault.

Police were called shortly after 11.35pm on Saturday, August 27 to The Stow, Harlow, with reports the victims had been assaulted outside the TGF Pizza and Mr Luigi’s takeaway shops.

Officers and the ambulance service attended the scene.

A 40-year-old man from Harlow suffered head injuries and was taken to the Princess Alexandra Hospital. He was later transferred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, where his condition is described as critical.

A 43-year-old man from Harlow was taken to the Princess Alexandra Hospital with suspected fractures to his hands and bruising to his stomach.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Al Pitcher, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “This was an extremely vicious and unprovoked attack, which has left one of the victims in a critical condition in hospital.

“At this stage we are treating the assault as a potential hate crime but the motive remains unclear and we are continuing to keep an open mind.

“From our initial enquiries, we understand the victims were chatting and eating together when they were approached by a group of teenage boys.

“They were verbally abused before being assaulted and knocked unconscious.

“It is not yet clear how many attackers there were, but the suspects were part of a group of about 15 to 20 youths, both girls and boys. We understand not all these people were involved and we believe there will be witnesses who were deeply shocked by what took place.

“We know they may find it hard to come forward, but we would encourage them to discuss it with their parents and to contact police. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously if they are afraid to give their name or speak directly with us.

“This was a brutal assault and we are grateful for the public’s support so far in coming forward with information to help us identify those responsible for this horrific incident and bring them to justice.”

Police will be carrying out extra patrols in the area and we are working with our partners to provide reassurance to the community.

Anyone who has concerns, or information, is encouraged to speak to local police.

Anyone with information about assault is asked to contact the Harlow Major Investigation Team on 101. Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org

1145 hrs

ESSEX Police remain at the scene of a crime in The Stow, Harlow.

Since our last report (0900), a forensic tent has been erected and a number of scenes of crimes officers are at work at the scene.

It could be safely described as an intensive investigation with at least seventeen yellow evidence markers.

The bicycle that we pictured earlier has now been removed.

There is also police tape at the back of the precinct and police are in attendance in one of the stairwells.

We are still awaiting a statement from Essex Police.

0900 hrs