Essex Police appeal for 'wanted man' after Colchester attack

The incident took place at 11.05am on Saturday at the junction of St John’s Walk and Abbeygate Street, where a man sustained injuries to his stomach and head.

A woman was then arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm whilst a man, who the police have identified as Alex Potter, is being hunted by police.

Investigation – police made enquiries in St John's Green, with the assault having taken place in nearby St John's Walk (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

The public has been warned not to approach him.

Potter, 32, is described has having short dark hair, stubble, and has connections to Colchester.

The victim of the assault was taken to hospital by paramedics from the East of England Ambulance Service.

As part of the incident, police then made enquiries in St John’s Green and cordoned off a substantial portion of the area where armed officers were seen on patrol.

About six police officers were on the scene to divert drivers and pedestrians, with one police van preventing entry to St John’s Green via the A134 Southway.

Appeal – anyone who sees Alex Potter should call 999 immediately (Image: Essex Police)

A second police vehicle was parked in Flagstaff Road.

One resident in the area told the Gazette, the Echo's sister paper, the police cordon “did not look good”.

They said: “I was obviously a little bit surprised – I wouldn’t have expected to see the cordon there, especially when we don’t know what’s happened.”

“You potentially expect to see this more in the town centre.”

Scene – a police officer directs a member of public round the police cordon (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Our enquiries are continuing and we would now like to speak to 32-year-old Alex Potter connection with this incident.

“If you see Alex, please do not approach him and call 999. Quote incident number 470 of 13 April.”