POLICE are appealing for a witness to come forward following a shocking attack by a gang of six men wielding baseball bats in Dovercourt.

Two men were assaulted after being confronted by the group at the Recreation Ground off Wick Lane.

Two other men were arrested following the incident, which happened at about 5pm on June 26.

One of the victims, a man aged about 30, was punched twice in the head before being chased to a yellow Hyundai car, which was damaged with a bat.

Chief Insp Russ Cole, Tendring district commander, said: "Officers are investigating reports of a group of six men with baseball bats were responsible for the attack.

"Principally, two men are responsible for the interaction.

"It is believed the men were all known to each other and the altercation came following a dispute.

"One victim was punched in the side of the head twice and suffered a scratch to his ear. The incident caused a lot of upset to his family.

"He was chased to a car, which was then damaged with what is believed to be a wooden baseball bat."

The car was in the gravel car park at the end of West End Lane.

A 28-year-old man from Harwich was arrested on suspicion of assault and a 20-year-old man from Harwich was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon, criminal damage, assault and driving offences.

Both have been released on bail pending further enquiries until August 25.

Officers are appealing for new witnesses to come forward and especially the owner of a vehicle recovery company in the Dovercourt area.

Anyone with information should call PC Ryan Kent, at Harwich police station, on 101.