A MAN suffered injuries to his eye following an assault in Chelmsford’s Central Park.

The 34 year old man from the town was assaulted and thrown into the River Chelmer on Thursday evening last week.

The victim had cylced to the park in the late afternoon and was joined by a group of others in the early evening.

About 10.20pm police received a call that there was a man in the river. When they arrived he was out of the water but was very cold and said that he had been assaulted and thrown into the river.

He was taken to Broomfield hospital where it was found that he had fractures to his eye socket, cheek and wrist, and cuts and bruising to his head and face.

He was treated at hospital and released 24 hours later.

Detectives are examining CCTV footage for evidence of those involved in the attack and have seized a number of items for forensic examination.

They are appealing for anyone who was in Central Park on Thursday evening who may have seen a group by the river, or may have witnessed the assault and the man being thrown into the river.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact them at Chelmsford police station on 0300 333 4444 or by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A 41-year-old Chelmsford man has been arrested in connection with the incident and he has been released on police bail until August 20 while investigations continue.