A TEENAGER spent 24 hours in hospital after being jumped on, punched and rugby tackled to the floor in a “random and unprovoked” attack.

Joel Barham, 19, was waiting for a friend outside the Premier shop, in North Street, Rochford, when he was attacked by a man leaving him dazed and writhing in pain.

The teenager was taken to hospital after the incident where it was confirmed he had dislocated his shoulder and will be out of action for at least 15 weeks.

Joel initially feared he was being mugged, but now believes it was an unprovoked assault.

He was taken to hospital immediately after the incident on Sunday, and was not discharged until Monday night.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident and have issued an appeal for witnesses.

The attacker has been described as white, aged in his late teens or early twenties, and was wearing a blue Nike tracksuit.

Joel said: “It was absolutely shocking, and I have no idea why such a horrific attack took place.

“I can’t take up any work now and I can’t do anything or move my right shoulder for another 15 weeks.

“I was standing waiting for a friend and a man came over and started throwing punches at me, it happened so fast, I was tackled to the ground and that is when my shoulder was dislocated.

“He didn’t try to steal anything, I dropped my phone, and he didn’t take it, he didn’t want anything really, he just wanted to fight.

“I have been left in a sling, which has been awful, all because of a normal Sunday walk, I can no longer do everyday things.”

The incident took place in broad daylight, shortly after 3pm on Sunday.

A police spokesman said: “The victim, a man, reported they had been approached by a suspect, punched and pushed.

“He suffered an injury to his shoulder and received hospital treatment.

“We are investigating this incident, and our enquiries are ongoing.

“The suspect is described as white male, aged late teens to early 20s, around 6ft 1in tall, with short, black hair, clean shaven, of big build, wearing a blue Nike tracksuit.

“Please quote reference 42/47539/24 when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.”