A MAN has been left with a serious face injury after a violent altercation in Colchester's city centre on Sunday morning. 

Essex Police were called to reports of a "violent disturbance" in High Street shortly before 1am. 

Police say a member of the public had called to report an altercation close to East Stockwell Street between a number of people.

The force said some of the people involved were thought to be armed.

During the altercation, a man in his 30s was left with an injury on his face. 

The man was rushed to the city's SOS bus where volunteers helped treat the "nasty injury". 

Police said his injury is not life-threatening or life-changing. 

Two men aged 22 and 18, as well as a 14-year-old boy, have been arrested on suspicion of GBH. 

Detective chief inspector Nathan Hutchinson praised the work of the SOS Bus volunteers as he condemned the incident. 

He said: “We won’t tolerate violent incidents like this in our towns and cities in Essex. 

“The fact that three people were arrested within ten minutes of this happening shows there really is no hiding place for people intent on committing crime or disorder.

"This demonstrates the high level of public support Essex Police have in Colchester as a number of witnesses have come forward to support our investigation. 

“Although the victim has sustained a nasty injury, he received excellent medical treatment from our SOS bus and is thankfully now recovering.

"We can never lose sight of how violent incidents can impact victims but working with the public and charities such as the SOS bus we will always respond strongly to help people and catch criminals.”

The three people arrested remain in custody.