ESSEX Police is investigating after a man was assaulted with what was thought to be a flare, just outside Harlow

They were called around 12.40pm on Sunday 19 April with reports that a man aged in his 20s had been approached by another man, while he was jogging on Chalk Lane.

Chalk Lane runs between Old Harlow and close to Matching Tye.

The man threatened the victim with a knife and then fired what was believed to be a flare gun at him.

Thankfully, the man was not seriously injured.

Officers are treating this as a targeted assault and are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident to call Harlow police station on 101, quoting incident 423 of 19 Apr.

Information can also be given completely anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

No arrests have been made and while we don’t believe there is a risk to the wider public, we will be carrying out additional patrols in the area as our enquiries continue.