A MAN has been left with serious injuries after reports of a group fighting with a metal pole in Basildon town centre.

Essex Police were called outside Westgate Park shopping centre in Basildon at around 6:45am yesterday morning.

This was following reports of a disturbance where three men were seen fighting with a metal pole.

One man has since been taken to hospital with serious injuries.

A 52-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of Section 18 wounding with intent in connection with this investigation.

Following the incident, a cordon was put in place by Essex Police whilst enquiries continued.

One woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, described the scene.

She said: “There were around five police officers there at around 8:10am with tape in place.

“There were a number of markers on the ground, one looked like a broken wine bottle.

“At this point, a number of people were passing by on their way to school, college, or work.

“It is not ideal that crime like this happens, but I am very glad it is being taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.”

A spokesman for Essex Police added: “We were called outside Westgate Park shopping centre in Basildon at around 6:45am on Thursday, 29 February following reports of a disturbance.

“Witnesses said that three men were seen fighting with a metal pole.

“One man was taken to hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries.

“A 52-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of Section 18 wounding with intent in connection with this investigation. He has since been released on bail whilst enquiries continue.”