A GANG of 30 youths inflicted serious injuries on two men during a “vicious, unprovoked” attack in Frinton.

A 24-year-old needed 22 stitches after suffering cuts and bruises to his face and body after being punched, kicked and struck with a crutch.

The other man was also punched and kicked and suffered bruises and a swollen right eye during the assault in Fourth Avenue.

The two 24-year-old men, who are both from the town, were set upon by about 30 youngsters aged in their mid to late teens, in the early hours of Saturday.

Roger Grimwade, spokesman for Essex Police, said: “This is an apparently unprovoked and vicious attack on two young men out for the evening.”

The attack took place shortly after midnight close to Frinton Methodist Church.

Witnesses or anyone with information about the attack should call police at Walton on 0300 333 4444, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.