DETECTIVES are appealing for witnesses after a man in his 20s has been assaulted on his daily run.

Essex Police officers are investigating in Harlow after a man was assaulted with what was thought to be a flare gun.

A man in his 20s had been approached by another man, while he was jogging on Chalk Lane, Harlow at 12.40pm today, Sunday, April 19.

The man threatened the victim with a knife and then fired what was believed to be a flare gun at him.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Thankfully, the man was not seriously injured.

“No arrests have been made and while we don’t believe there is a risk to the wider public, we will be carrying out additional patrols in the area as our enquiries continue.

“Officers are treating this as a targeted assault and are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident to call Harlow police station on 101, quoting incident 423 of 19 April.”

Information can also be given completely anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.