Essex Police are appealing for witnesses after an officer was left with injuries to his head and knee after reportedly being struck from behind in Gunners Park on Tuesday at around 9pm. The assailants are believed to have fled in the direction of Magazine Road, with councillors urging anyone able to shed light on the incident to come forward. "The police are there to protect us, not become targets for mindless people to cause injury to them while doing their job. The spokesperson said: "The officer was struck from behind and knocked to the ground, suffering injuries to his head and knee. "The suspects are believed to have made off in the direction of Magazine Road.