SHOCKING online footage has shown a man being repeatedly punched on the floor during a sickening attack which happened just metres away from a music festival in Shoebury.

A police investigation is underway into the assault near East Beach on Sunday, which saw horrified onlookers try to step in and stop the attacker.

Footage of the incident has been widely shared across social media and appears to show a second attacker strike the victim on the floor several times.

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Police said both the suspects and victim had left the scene before officers arrived. 

No arrests have been made.

The incident happened just metres from the East Beach Music Festival in Shoebury, a celebration of Southend’s city status and 60 years of Jamaican independence – at this stage, it is not believed that incident is linked to the festival.

“It’s disappointing to have something like this happen so closely to a family event,” Southend councillor Martin Terry, responsible for public protection said.

“I am told the festival was well attended and well behaved, so to have a few idiots causing chaos in the area is frustrating.”

Essex Police has confirmed it is aware of the video circulating online.

A force spokesman said: "An incident was reported to us by colleagues in the ambulance service in East Beach, shortly before 8.30pm last night, Sunday, August 14. 

"It was reported that a man had been assaulted by another man. 

"Both men are then reported to have left the scene. 

"We arrived and carried out a search of the area but could not locate a victim or a suspect. 

"Anyone with information about the incident, or who has footage of it which has not yet been passed to us, is asked to contact us as soon as possible. 

"Please quote incident 1397 of August 14."

You can submit information about the incident via Essex Police's website or by calling police on 101. 

You can also give details to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111.