A WESTCLIFF pub has released a statement after a murder investigation has been launched following the death of a man.

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

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

READ MORE >> Murder probe launched as man dies after suspected assault at Westcliff pub

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.

The popular Lamb and Lion Pub has since released a statement on social media.

It said: “As per social media and the internet press statements, we can confirm that there has been an incident at the lamb and lion public house.

“We cannot confirm details at this time.

“We apologise for closing the venue, but this is the correct thing to do.

“To all those aggrieved our hearts go out to you.

“I can also confirm that the staff are ok. I will officially update the position as the police. Allow in due course.

“We will be closed tomorrow, Christmas eve.

“If anyone wishes to raise a glass today, we will be at the craftsman pub hamlet court road our sister venue, as normal.

“God bless all, from all of us at the lamb /moonraker/ craftsman.

“And a big thanks to the police, paramedics, ambulance, and armed response unit.”

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.