Six teenage boys have been arrested after a Polish man was killed in a suspected “hate crime” in Essex.

The 40-year-old man was allegedly beaten, knocked unconscious and left for dead in the attack in Harlow late on Saturday night.

He was taken to hospital with serious head injuries but died on Monday evening. A murder inquiry has been launched.

Police have arrested five 15-year-old boys and one 16-year-old boy as part of the on-going investigation – but believe there were a gang of up to 20 girls and boys at the scene.

The leader of Harlow Council, councillor Jon Clempner, said he was “saddened and shocked” by the alleged attack.

He said: “My heartfelt thoughts and sympathies go out to the families and friends affected by this meaningless incident.

“I know Harlow and its communities will support each other through this and that all our communities will stand together.”

He added: “We don’t know the full circumstances of what motivated this, but whatever the motives were they will never ever have a place in Harlow.

“We are supporting the local Stow community and working closely with the police. We are carrying out patrols around the area to provide extra reassurance and support to the public at this very difficult time.”

At the time of alleged attack, detective inspector Al Pitcher said it was being treated as a “potential hate crime” – but the motive remains unclear.

The victim, from Harlow, was believed to have been eating with his friend, 43, outside the TGF Pizza and Mr Luigi’s takeaway shops in The Stow, Harlow, when they were approached by a gang of boys.

Police said they believed the two men were verbally abused before both being attacked.

Officers did not know how many attackers there were – but think the suspects were part of a group of up to 20 girls and boys.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Al Pitcher, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "This is now a murder investigation and our enquiries have quickly led to the arrest of five teenage boys.

"Following this vicious attack, a man has sadly lost his life and I urge anyone with information to contact us as soon as possible.”

The alleged attack happened just after 11.35pm on Saturday. The second victim, also from Harlow, was taken to the Princess Alexandra Hospital with suspected fractures to his hands and bruising to his stomach. He has since been discharged.

DI Pitcher said: "We understand not all these people were involved and we believe there will be witnesses who were deeply shocked by what took place.

“We know they may find it hard to come forward, but we would encourage them to discuss it with their parents and to contact police. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously if they are afraid to give their name or speak directly with us.”

Police will be carrying out extra patrols in the area and we are working with our partners to provide reassurance to the community.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Harlow Major Investigation Team on 101. Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Four 15-year-old boys and one 16-year-old boy, all from Harlow, were arrested on Monday on suspicion of attempted murder and later re-arrested on suspicion of murder. All have been released on police bail pending further enquiries until October 7.

A sixth teenager, a 15-year-old boy from Harlow, was arrested on Tuesday afternoon on suspicion of murder and is currently in custody awaiting questioning.