A WOMAN has been left seriously hurt with a broken jaw after she was viciously attacked in Southend.

The victim, who will remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, required surgery and remains in hospital where she continues her recovery.

The young mum, in her 20s, was attacked near the Seven Hotel, on Clifton Terrace, after a night-out in town.

She recalled: “I was in Talk nightclub last Friday night with three other friends when I’ve been told a group of boys started throwing chips at us and picking on us in general.

“I remember someone spat in my face while we were in the club too.”

After the incident, the group left the nightclub and were walking home when the same man targeted them again.

The woman added: “We had left Talk and it was the early hours of the morning by now.

“We were all drunk and just wanted to go to bed at this point.

“I saw him again and that is when he attacked me. I was knocked out and broke my jaw.

“I also cracked my head open and injured my back quite badly too.

“All I can remember is him being really aggressive towards me and I remember one punch, but he must have hit me again.

“I don’t remember anything else.”

The woman was taken to Southend Hospital before being transferred to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, where she had an operation to correct her jaw.

The woman added: “I woke up with a bandage on my head and was in so much pain.

“I initially found it really hard to talk and move my mouth but I’m a lot better now I’ve had an operation.

“I can speak properly again now but it is still very swollen - it looks like there is a tennis ball on my cheek. I am still on really strong painkillers. I can’t believe what’s happened.”

Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident and are believed to be reviewing CCTV of the Seven Hotel, near where the incident took place.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Our investigations are ongoing.

“The victim, aged in her 20s, was punched outside the Seven Hotel on Clifton Terrace at around 4am on Saturday. She remains in hospital with serious injuries, but is in a stable condition.

“Anyone with information is asked to call Southend CID quoting crime reference number 42/164338/18.”

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