A 17-year-old boy suffered a suspected stab wound to the head and seven others were attacked after a mass brawl erupted in a street.

Police were called to a chaotic fight involving a large group of people, reportedly up to 30, on Runnymede Road, Canvey.

In total, seven people told police they had been assaulted, with one 17-year-old boy claiming that he had been hit with a motorbike crash helmet. A woman, 19, had been struck with a belt.

Police attended the scene but did not to make any arrests. The community policing team increased patrols across the island following the brawl.

None of the injuries suffered by the seven people are believed to be life threatening

Castle Point councillor, Ray Howard, labelled the fight as “very shocking” and insisted that police must do all they can to track down anyone involved.

He said: “Firstly, I have huge sympathy for the residents of Runnymede Road, who have had to listen, and most likely witness this truly shocking behaviour.

"It is a totally unacceptable public disorder, and to hear about weapons on the street and attacks like this is very concerning.

“If there is some kind of gang war going on on the island, then it needs to be curtailed and those involved dealt with.

“The criminality involved in this has to go in front of the judicial process and people dealt with.

“I would encourage absolutely anyone with information, and some people must have information, to the police, or through Crimestoppers, or to our Castle Point community safety officers.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We were called shortly before 7pm on Wednesday,, with reports of a fight between a group of people. This was in Runnymede Road, Canvey, and officers were on scene shortly after 7pm.

“We were told that a teenage boy had been hit with a crash helmet, while another person reported being attacked with a belt.

“One boy had a wound to the head, reported to have been caused by a knife. In total, seven people said they were assaulted.

“Enquiries are ongoing to determine the circumstances which led to the individuals being assaulted. At this stage, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.”

Anyone with information can call Essex Police on 101.