TWO men have been left seriously injured after being hit by a car and then assaulted in the street by five men in a "targeted" attack.

Emergency services were called to Old Road following the incident in the early hours on Thursday, August 22.

The victims, aged in their 20s, were taken to hospital for treatment.

A spokesman for Essex Police said detectives are appealing for information following the “serious assault”.

She added: “We were called around 4am with reports that two men had been seriously injured on Old Road.

“It was reported that a car had been in collision with two men in their 20s and that five men then got out of the vehicle and further assaulted the men before driving off.

“The two men were taken to hospital and treated for serious, but non-life threatening, injuries.

“A police cordon was put in place and we are treating this as a targeted attack and do not believe there is any wider risk to the public.”

The East of England Ambulance Service said it was called to an address in Clacton after receiving reports that two people had been injured.

A spokesman added: "We sent an ambulance and ambulance officer, who treated one patient at the scene before transporting them to hospital for further assessment and care.”

Clacton councillor Paul Honeywood said he was concerned about the vicious attack.

He added: “It’s rather worrying to hear about such a serious attack in the town centre area.

“I understand police believe there’s no wider risk to the public, but nearby residents will still be concerned about what has happened.

“I hope the two victims make a quick recovery.

“Old Road is a main thoroughfare and it was cordoned off by police while they carried out their investigation, which could have caused problems for people visiting Clacton Airshow."

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact Clacton CID on 101, quoting incident 110 of August 22.