'Halstead still safe' claim in aftermath of vicious attack

The incident took place in an alleyway off Mount Pleasant at about 4am on Sunday.

The man, who is aged in his 20s, was taken to hospital suffering from a possible fractured jaw.

Police believe the incident may have been a robbery, but are unsure at this stage.

When officers attended they found the man’s bag on the floor.

Halstead councillor Jackie Pell said such incident was rare in the town.

She said: “All of Halstead on the whole is a safe place. I would say it is an isolated incident.

“Compared to other places, it is a safe place.

“It is a footpath I have walked many times before.

“People need to always be aware of their surroundings.

“Hopefully the person that was hurt is on the mend.

“People shouldn’t be alarmed but it is a pity the police can’t give us more information to help us feel safer.

“It is not something that I’ve heard happen in this area before.

“The jury is out until we get more information."

• Jackie Pell insists Halstead is still a safe place to live

A police spokesman said: "We are appealing for witnesses after a man suffered facial injuries during a robbery in Halstead.

"The victim reported that he was attacked by another man while walking in an alleyway off Mount Pleasant at around 4am.

"The man, who is aged in his 20s, was taken to hospital with a possible fractured jaw.

"Our officers attended and found the man’s bag on the floor.

"We are trying to establish whether anything was stolen from the bag and the circumstances around the attack.

"We would like to hear from anyone who has information or saw anyone acting suspiciously before or following the robbery.

"We would also like to speak to anyone with CCTV or dash cam footage."

Anyone with information should call Braintree CID on 101 quoting crime reference 42/182581/19 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.