Brentwood: Man Attacked During Christmas Meal

11 December 2013, 05:56 | Updated: 11 December 2013, 06:09

A man has been left with life-changing injuries after he was attacked during a work Christmas meal near Brentwood.

The 28-year-old was with colleagues at the Joy Fook Chinese restaurant on Ongar Road in Pilgrims Hatch on Sunday (8 December).

The man, who is from Hertfordshire, was standing outside the restaurant at about 12.05am when he was assaulted.

A 25-year-old man from Harlow was arrested in connection with the incident and bailed until 3 March, 2014, pending further enquiries.

Investigating officer, Dc Stephen Baker, said: "The victim has suffered appalling injuries as a result of this attack, which left his jaw in fragments. He will now have to have plates fitted to his jaw and the affects really will be life-changing.

"I'm aware that people often travel to the Joy Fook restaurant from long distances, so I really need to speak to anyone who went there that night and hasn't yet spoken to police.

"I would also like to hear from any passers-by who may have witnessed what happened."

There were various Christmas work meals going on at the restaurant that night from many places, including the Thurrock and Cheshunt areas, and these are the people who police need to speak with.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Dc Baker, or his colleagues at Loughton CID, on 101. Alternatively, call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.