A teenage boy was set upon by three other youths, who then told him they had got the wrong person.
The attackers set upon the 15-year-old boy, in Pier Avenue, Clacton, near the amusement arcades.
A spokeswoman for Clacton police said: "They kicked and punched the teenager and then told him they had got the wrong person."
She said the victim suffered a swollen and bruised right eyelid, as well as numerous cuts and scratches to his head.
He was taken to Colchester General Hospital for treatment to his injuries.
The assault happened on Friday night and was reported to police officers at 2.30pm on Saturday.
Anyone with information which could help is asked to contact PC Paul Wood at Clacton police on 01255 221312 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111
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Published Tuesday, February 8, 2005
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