A WOMAN was knocked out with a garden fork and a man was hit with a golf club after a row over their car descended into violence.

The pair were involved in the argument on Monday morning in Wellhouse Avenue, West Mersea.

It escalated into violence with residents reporting seeing a machete or scythe shortly before police arrived.

It is understood the blade has not been found and residents have reported finding golf clubs thrown into their back gardens.

The woman victim, in her thirties, was allegedly hit with a garden fork to the head, knocking her out.

Her partner, in his forties, was attacked with a golf club and suffered a cut on his back.

The East of England Ambulance Service said they treated the woman for head injuries and both casualties were taken to Colchester General Hospital.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “The couple’s children were taken into people’s back gardens so they didn’t see their parents being assaulted.

“It was really bad and they were taken to hospital.

“The woman has had to have her head glued back together. What has happened to them is unforgiveable.

“Everyone on the estate is really scared. We just want this problem sorted.”

The incident began at 7.30am with an argument over a car. It lasted for 45 minutes.

A Colne Housing spokesman said: “The safety of all residents and their right to live in a peaceful community is of our utmost concern.

“Colne does not tolerate behaviour of this kind from our tenants.

“On Monday we visited as many neighbours as possible to listen to their concerns and will continue to work closely with them and the police.

“We are urgently exploring all legal options and are confident of a speedy resolution. In the meantime we encourage people affected by anti-social behaviour to report it to us and the police.”

Essex Police said four people were arrested.

A spokesman said: “Officers attended and arrested a man, 35, from West Mersea on suspicion of assault, common assault and criminal damage, a boy, 15, from Harwich, on suspicion of criminal damage, a boy, 12, from West Mersea on suspicion of assault, common assault and criminal damage and a woman, 35, from West Mersea on suspicion of criminal damage."

They were due to answer bail yesterday.