A newspaper seller is recovering at home after being kicked and beaten in a brutal robbery.

The 49-year-old man had finished selling the Evening Gazette in St John's Street, Colchester, near Wilkinsons at about 6pm on Monday.

He went to the nearby public toilets at the side of Wilkinsons where he was attacked by another man.

Det Sgt Roy Clark, of Colchester police, said: "He was punched to the ground and kicked several times which resulted in quite nasty injuries."

The robber demanded money from the paper seller and in the end went through his pockets and took £3.50.

The victim managed to raise the alarm and was taken to hospital where he was x-rayed.

Det Sgt Clark said: "Both his eyes have closed up but he has no broken bones and is now back home."

The robber is described as a white man, aged about 20, and was wearing grey jogging bottoms and trainers but had no shirt. He was carrying a can of beer.

After the attack he went off in the direction of Osborne Street.

Det Sgt Clark said: "It was really quite a nasty attack for the amount of money that was stolen. No weapon was seen or used.

"At 6pm St John's Street would be very busy so we would ask anyone who saw something to get in touch."

If you have any information contact police on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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