A GOOD samaritan who tried to stop a thug from escaping was knocked unconscious and lost two teeth.

A witness appeal has been made following the assault of two men in Western Road, Billericay, at 1.15am on March 23.

The first incident happened when the victim, a 32-year-old man, was stood at the taxi rank on the road.

The suspect ran up to him and struck him in the face, fracturing his jaw and causing swelling and bruising to his eye.

As the suspect ran off, another man, who had witnessed the attack, gave chase.

The suspect ran in the direction of the cross road between Western Road, Norsey Road and High Street before heading in the direction of Billericay train station.

The good samaritan, 47, was then attacked by the suspect and knocked unconscious.

He later awoke having suffered a fractured jaw, lost two front teeth and also suffered an injury to his eye.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "The suspect is described as a white man, wearing dark clothing and short dark hair.

"Witnesses to the attacks, anyone who knows the identity of the attacker or anyone with information can contact police at Basildon on 101."

People can also report crime to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.