A COUNCILLOR has urged people to come forward after a man had his ear partly bitten off.

Essex Police have released CCTV images after an incident that which involved a man being seriously assaulted.

Officers were called to High Street, in Colchester, following reports of the incident.

The victim was approached by three people who assaulted him close to the Castle Inn pub.

During the assault, part of the man's ear was bitten off.

Location - Colchester's High StreetLocation - Colchester's High Street (Image: Google Maps)

He continues to be treated at hospital for his injuries and requires reconstructive plastic surgery.

Castle ward Councillor Kirkby-Taylor is very surprised about the situation and is advising anyone that knows the three

He said: “This isn’t a case I have actually heard about until now, so clearly yes anyone who does know anything should step forward.

“I will see if the police can forward me any information and if I can share the information with my network to help.

CCTV imagery - three men that Essex Police want to speak toCCTV imagery - three men that Essex Police want to speak to (Image: Essex Police)

“I am a little bit surprised given how serious this sounds.

“It may mean the police do know who they are looking for, but they are looking for confirmation in the community.

“People will know who the perpetrators are and what the full story is.

“I can only urge anyone with information to come forward with it.”

Close-up - another image released by the police (Image: Essex Police)

The incident happened at about 5am on April 28.

Fellow ward Councillor Mark Goacher has shared his thoughts as well on the incident.

Mr Goacher said: “I would encourage anyone who recognises the three individuals or thinks they might know who they are to contact the police immediately

“It sounds like a very nasty incident and my thoughts are with person who was attacked I wish him a full recovery.

“Let’s get these people caught.”

Essex Police’s Colchester criminal investigation department has released images of three young men they want to speak to in connection with the investigation.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “If you recognise them or have any further information which could assist, please contact us, citing incident 42/67667/24.”

Surprised - Green Party leader Councillor Richard Kirkby-TaylorSurprised - Green Party leader Councillor Richard Kirkby-Taylor (Image: Newsquest)

This new appeal follows on from the recent news that Essex Police has charged someone with the assault of a teenage boy last Monday, July 22.

Police officers were called to Hatcher Crescent, in Colchester, at around 6.15pm last Monday, July 22, following reports of a “boy being assaulted”.

After speaking to witnesses, police believed five men assaulted the teenager before leaving the scene in a silver Vauxhall Astra.

The teenager, 17, was taken to hospital after sustaining multiple stab wounds.