A TEENAGE girl was punched and grabbed by the hair and three men were assaulted during an incident by Southend beach. 

The incident took place at about 7.25pm in Marine Parade on Tuesday, March 30.

During the incident the girl, 16, was attacked by a group of females on the beach, opposite Hope Hotel.

She was punched a number of times and grabbed by the hair.

A passing family witnessed the incident and three men in the group told the attackers to stop.

However, a separate group of young men arrived on the scene and attacked the three family members who had tried to help the teenager.

Each of the three men who tried to help sustained facial injuries.

One sustained a fractured cheekbone which required hospital treatment.

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Essex Police are now appealing for witnesses to the assaults to come forward.

They say the seafront would have been packed with people at the time of the incident.

A spokesman for Southend CID said: "The seafront would have been very busy at the time and we would like to locate witnesses who may be able to identify the people involved in the incidents.

“The men were just trying to help a young woman, who was outnumbered and being violently attacked, and had been enjoying a visit on the beach at Southend with their young families.”

Anyone who has footage of the incident or has information on it should submit a report online at www.essex.police.uk or use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.

You can also call Essex Police on 101 and cite 42/56721/21.

Information can also be given to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.