Police are no longer seeking a man who may have witnessed an assault near Colchester library.

Officers believed the man may have been a potential witness to the incident on Tuesday, December 18, last year.

A 58-year-old man was assaulted by a group of teenagers outside Colchester Library in Trinity Square, Colchester, sometime between 5.15pm and 5.30pm.

He suffered bruising and cuts.

Essex Police has only revealed details of the incident today.

Officers also received reports on the same day of a group of teenagers being abusive and threatening towards shop staff at TK Maxx and River Island.

The following day they were contacted about two girls being threatened on Wednesday December 19.

Officers arrested a 15-year-old boy from Colchester on suspicion of assault, public order offences and robbery. He has been released on bail until March 15.

A 14-year-old boy from Colchester was arrested on suspicion of theft and robbery yesterday, Tuesday 19 February, and a 15-year-old boy from the town was arrested on the same day on suspicion of robbery.

This was in connection with an incident on Tuesday December 18 in which a group of boys assaulted a 17-year-old boy in High Street, Colchester, and took his rings.

The 15-year-old boy was released on bail until March 15 and the 14-year-old was released under investigation, while enquiries continue.

A spokesman said: "We have also voluntarily interviewed five teenagers in connection with the incidents that took place on Tuesday December 18."