A TEENAGER was knocked to the ground while a man smashed his mobile phone during a shocking unprovoked attack.

The young boy, who was among a group of friends, was left “visibly shaken” by the incident near Sea King Crescent, Colchester.

The incident only came to an end when two Good Samaritans passing by intervened and deterred the attacker.

The suspect has been described as having mousey blond hair and facial stubble, and wearing dark green joggers and overalls.

Police are now investigating the assault, which took place in Highwoods at about 7pm on March 8, and say they want to speak with witnesses.

Police Constable Canwell, of the Colchester Local Police Team, investigating, said: “The boy was visibly shaken, but thankfully, unhurt.

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“We want to speak to two men who stopped to help the boy and end the assault. I believe that they may be able to help us identify the suspect.”

A police spokesman added: “We’d like to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw the incident or anyone who may have doorbell or dash cam footage to contact us.”

If you have any information, you can submit a report online at www.essex.police.uk. You should quote crime reference 42/59479/22.

Alternatively, you should call 101.