A man has been left with potentially life-changing injuries and four people have been arrested following the events in Southend-on-Sea last night
Three men and a woman have been arrested following the events on Chichester Road in Southend-on-Sea last night
A man has been left with potentially life-changing injuries after being allegedly struck by a vehicle and stabbed in a night of carnage in Southend-on-Sea.
Police and paramedics rushed to Chichester Road in the Essex city in the early hours of Sunday (April 5) following reports of two groups brawling.
The unrest reportedly broke out at around 2am as the two groups of people, some thought to be carrying knives, started fighting in the seaside city, Essex Live reports.
Armed officers raced to the scene where a man with stab wounds was discovered. Further investigations indicate a vehicle had also been in collision with the man, who has suffered injuries described as serious and potentially life-changing, the force said.
Two suspects fled the scene in a vehicle, which was located at Southend Hospital. A second vehicle, also believed to have been involved in the incident, was safely stopped on the M25 in Hertfordshire.
Four people, three men and one woman, have been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm. One of these, a man, remains in hospital for treatment. The incident is believed to be linked to an earlier disturbance which happened near South Street Bar in London Road, Westcliff, at around 1am, cops said.
A large cordon was erected on Chichester Road, at the junction with Warrior Square, into Sunday morning, with officers seen guarding the crime scene.
Chief Superintendent Chris Bradford said: “I understand how concerning this incident will be to the local community today. I want to reassure you that officers have made quick arrests and we believe that those involved are known to each other.
“You will see an increased policing presence in the area and I encourage you to come and talk to us. I would also ask anyone who has information, CCTV or dashcam footage to contact us. This investigation is in its early stages, but this type of violent behaviour has no place in Southend and we will not tolerate it.”
A spokesperson for Essex Police added: “If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us. Please quote incident 42/51345/26.
“You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service which is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our online reporting services.
“If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.”
