ESSEX Police are carrying out high visibility patrols in neighbouring Witham today (Sunday, 23 May) after a group of teenagers attacked a woman and left her lying seriously injured in the street last night.

The woman, in her 40s, had asked the group in Church Street, Witham to leave the area as they were causing a disturbance at around 10.40pm.

The six youths, described as white and aged around 15 to 16 years, then carried out the brutal attack on the woman before leaving the scene and the woman, seriously injured, lying on the ground.

She was taken to hospital for further treatment and thankfully, her injuries are no longer believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.

District Commander for Braintree & Uttlesford, Chief Inspector Colin Cox, said: "This was a shocking attack by a group of young individuals who left a woman lying in the street alone and injured.

"Although we understand that those living in the area will find this alarming, I would like to reassure the community that incidents such as this are rare and that our teams will be investigating all possible leads to identify these individuals.

"My community policing and town team officers, alongside those from Witham Community Special Constables, will be conducting high visibility patrols across the area and will challenge all individuals who seek to act in ways that are simply unacceptable."

Anyone that may have witnessed the incident, or those who have dash cam or doorbell footage from the area, is asked to please contact Braintree Local Policing Team (LPT) on 101.

The crime reference number to quote is 42/96795/21.

You can also submit a report online or use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am and 11pm.