THE mother of a young man “left for dead” after an unprovoked attack in Colchester city centre says she wants justice for her son.

Detectives are investigating after a “gentle, caring” 23-year-old man suffered injuries to his head and face when he was assaulted by three men in the early hours of Friday.

Police officers were called to Sir Isaac’s Walk, off Head Street, by ambulance colleagues at 4am.

The man was treated at the scene by medics and was taken to hospital for further treatment.

Echo: Cordon - the police shut off Sir Isaac's Walk on FridayCordon - the police shut off Sir Isaac's Walk on Friday (Image: Newsquest)

His mother, Marie Richardson, has now urged residents to bring the suspected trio to justice before they strike again.

She said: “I feel sick to my stomach that three men did this to my son and then ran away like cowards, leaving him unconscious; not even knowing if he was still alive.

“My son, who is just starting out on his adventures of life as a young, well brought up man, has been forever altered by this horrendous incident.

“It has left him with facial scarring and mental anguish for the rest of his life.

“I could have lost my son in this attack and that’s frightened me.

“I now have to help my son pick up the pieces and help him get his life back on track.”

Echo: Appeal - Essex Police said its officers want to speak to these three menAppeal - Essex Police said its officers want to speak to these three men (Image: Essex Police)

Mrs Richardson said her son was walking his friend home at the time of the attack.

She added: “Unless these predatory men are caught all good people of Colchester are at risk.”

Sir Isaac’s Walk remained cordoned off until the early afternoon on Friday, with several marked vehicles remaining at the scene.

Detectives have now issued a CCTV image of the suspected trio and are appealing for residents to come forward and aid their investigation.

An Essex Police spokeswoman said: “No arrests have been made and our inquiries are continuing at pace.

“We have already spoken to a number of people to obtain their witness accounts and we thank them.

“We need anyone with information on the incident but has not yet spoken to us to get in touch.”

Any report should cite incident 104 of March 17.