A MAN enjoying a night out was attacked and left with a broken jaw after walking along Southend High Street.

Police have released a picture of a man who have information which could help them following the attack.

The 22-year-old victim, from Oxford was attacked at about 1am on Sunday, November 24.

CCTV images were released on Friday.

The victim required surgery,

His friend, 24, was also punched and suffered a nose bleed.

The attack took place seven days before another horrific incident which saw a gay couple targeted in a hate crime.

That attack, which happened overnight on Friday November 29, saw two men aged 25 and 28 attacked by a gang of four men who had said homophobic slurs to them after they visited the town.

One was held to the floor and punched and kicked, while the other one suffered severe facial injuries that required reconstruction work.

No arrests have been made in connection with either incident.

The latest appeal has sparked concerns that High Street is not a safe place for visitors to come to at night.

Callum Rhys, 29, from Leigh, said: “My son is two, and I like taking him shopping and he enjoys seeing the displays and the busy high street. But now, even in the day, I don’t feel like I want to take him there. There’s horrible crimes happening all the time and they just don’t seem to care what people think of them.

“All these victims are put through so much pain and suffering and they just seem to get away with it.”

Terrie White, 31, said: “I wouldn’t dare walk down there after it goes dark. Can’t be risking anything like that.”

Anyone who recognises the man pictured is asked to call Det Con Samantha Winter in Southend CID on 101 quoting reference 42/186387/19.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or use the online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org