Two people have been arrested on suspicion of GBH after a boy has been left with potentially life-changing injuries in an early hours serious assault.

Police were called to Great Knightleys, in Basildon, shortly after 3.30am to reports of a teenage boy having been seriously injured.

Officers arrived at the scene, close to the Plough and Tractor pub, and found the boy had sustained a number of wounds to his leg and shoulder.

At this stage police believe these to have been caused with a bladed weapon.

A cordon was set up and remained in place at the scene this morning.

The boy has been taken to hospital for treatment for his injuries.

At this stage, police do not believe them to be life-threatening, but they are potentially life-changing.

There remains a significant police presence in the area today and officers are carrying out house to house enquiries.

An 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy are in custody being questioned.

Detectives are following a number of lines of enquiry, and officers have already taken a number of accounts from people in the area.

They are continuing to appeal for anyone with information on the incident or door bell and dashcam footage of the area between 3am and 3.40am to come forward.

Detective Inspector Stewart Eastbrook, of Basildon CID, said: “This was a violent incident which took place in a residential area and understandably will cause concern within our community.

“Although the teenage boy has sustained serious injuries, we do not believe they are life-threatening and at this stage he remains in hospital for treatment.

“Although the investigation is in its early stages, we do not believe there is a wider threat to the public.”

DI Eastbrook added: “We have already secured a number of witness accounts and footage which we believe will be of interest, but we would like to hear from anyone with information on the incident but have not yet come forward.”

Anyone with information on the incident or doorbell and dashcam footage can submit a report on the Essex Police website or by using the online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about the website reporting services.

Alternatively, call 101.

Quote crime reference 42/2725/23.