A BLOODSTAINED pavement as a result of an attack in Southend’s High Street is just the tip of the iceberg for residents and businesses who feel unsafe and intimidated walking through the centre.

People have spoken out after the High Street was closed for several hours on Sunday morning, following a stabbing just after 2am, which left a man with serious injuries.

An 18-year-old man and a 20-year-old man, both from Southend, were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, however the 20-year-old was released without charge.

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But for Kriti Sackdeva, 33, who lives just off the High Street, the issues go much deeper than Sunday’s incident.

She said: “I don’t feel safe walking along the High Street at night when I finish work.

“I always pretend I’m talking to someone on my phone so I don’t feel vulnerable because I’m on my own.

“There’s always people who are drunk or are substance abusing.

“They keep me up at night, at like 2am they are shouting or playing loud music.

“I’m now moving out towards Victoria Avenue, which I’m really looking forward to, just to get away from the noise.”

This attack follows the tragic murder of Sir David Amess MP in Leigh earlier this month.

The MP for Southend West was stabbed to death inside Belfairs Methodist Church.

The latest incident on Sunday caused a section of the High Street to be closed as a forensic team investigated until around 2pm.

Police officers also guarded a cordon between Tylers Avenue and Weston Road.

Discarded clothing was close to the bloodstained pavement outside McDonald’s, as well as a seemingly abandoned paramedic kit.

Dan Pacey, 24, who works at the Evapo store, which found itself inside the police cordon, said: “It was pretty gruesome.

“I heard he was stabbed in the stomach during the incident.

“Whenever I leave work, I try and get to the train station as quick as I can.

“It’s about getting there as fast as possible to avoid the trouble.

“I’ve had a man harass me on the High Street before, and he’s done it to others.

“I feel safer in Pitsea at the moment than I do on Southend High Street.”

Essex Police is yet to confirm if a weapon was used.