A MAN was slashed in the neck by knife-wielding robbers in an early-morning attack in Colchester.

The victim, 34, was targeted by two crooks on a footpath near Leisure World.

He was attacked by the two men and sustained knife wounds to his neck, foot and ear, as well as cuts to his hands as he tried to defend himself.

The robbers grabbed his phone and wallet before climbing into a silver estate car and driving away from the scene.

They are described as white, one aged in his early 40s with glasses, very tall, with a scruffy black beard, dressed in black and carrying a large knife.

The other man was bald, of average height and was wearing a cream or white coat.

The victim was taken to hospital and later released after receiving treatment.

It happened at about 2am this morning.

Police say the man is lucky not to be seriously injured following the attack.

Officers are treating the incident as grievous bodily harm and have been investigating the scene.

The area around Leisure World has been cordoned off with a scene guard put in place.

Anyone with information on the attack should contact police at Colchester CID on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.