A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of murder after another man died following an assault in a pub in Westcliff, police said.

Essex Police said officers were called to the Lamb and Lion pub in Station Road, Westcliff, at around 6.40pm on Friday following reports a man had been assaulted.

Despite the efforts of emergency services, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said a 44-year-old man was arrested a short time later in the Pier Hill area of Southend and is currently in custody.

Police say they do not believe there is any further risk to the wider public.

Det Chief Insp Louise Metcalfe, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “My thoughts and condolences are with the victim’s family in what will be a very difficult time.

“Our investigation is in its early stages and we are still working to establish the circumstances which led up to the incident.

“The victim was assaulted inside a busy pub at a time where there would have been lots of people around and would have seen what happened.

“I need anyone who was at the pub saw the incident or what led up to it to contact us.”

If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with police. 

Please quote incident 1076 of 23 December.

A force spokesman added: "You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit our website to find out more about our reporting services.

"Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

"In an emergency always call 999.

"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."