Yobs armed with a stick were seen randomly hitting pedestrians as they drove around Mersea Island.
Police received two reports from members of the public who had been targeted by the thugs in High Street, West Mersea, on Sunday afternoon.
The first victim was walking along the road at about 1.20pm when a dark green Golf car, described as being of the "new shape", drove past.
As the vehicle passed the man and his friend, the passenger, leant out of the window and hit the pedestrian with a large stick.
It caught him on the arm, leaving a mark.
Shortly afterwards, a woman was hit across the back in similar circumstances.
- Anyone with any information about the car, its occupants or the incidents, is asked to call Colchester police on 0300 333 4444 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
- More in today's Gazette
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