POLICE are investigating a serious assault in Rayleigh which left a man with a head injury.

Essex Police were called to the scene, in Rayleigh High Street, by paramedics on Saturday night shortly after 7.45pm.

It was reported that a man had sustained a serious head injury during an altercation.

Officers arrived and another man was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.

He remains in custody for questioning.

The victim is receiving treatment in hospital.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "Our investigation is progressing quickly, and we now believe three key witnesses are yet to come forward to speak to us.

"We specifically want to speak to a couple who witnessed the incident from a BMW car in which they were sitting.

"Another man was also passing the scene at the time.

"We would encourage each of the potential witnesses to come forward to speak to as soon as possible."

Anyone with information can get in touch using the force's live chat service from Monday to Friday between 10am and 9pm.

Alternatively, call 101, quoting crime reference 42/278478/22.