Southchurch Boulevard: Man knocked out after Euro final

The fight broke out in Southchurch Boulevard shortly before 10pm on Sunday night with the victim “spending twenty minutes on the floor” before being taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Witnesses described a large group of football fans gathering in the street before the victim was punched in the face by a man who “fled towards Hamstel Road”.

A 19-year-old is being quizzed in custody after being arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent.

In a separate incident linked to the game, police were called to a fight in the car park of the Woodman’s Arms pub, in Rayleigh Road, Thundersley.

A woman living just minutes from the scene of the fight has spoken of the “frightening” incident before four police cars arrived at the scene.

She said: “There was a group of guys across the road and they were in a huddle, the two men looked like they were talking to one another when one man punched the other straight to the ground.

“He didn’t get up and there was people crowded around the guy on the floor, as this happened a police car driving down Southchurch Road and someone wave them over.

“He was unconscious but did start to come around, he stood up and police were checking to make sure he was alright.”

The woman added that more than a dozen people were gathered in the street as the fight broke out.

She added: “It does frighten me, I am living on my own in this area which is a nightmare, I don’t want it and it is such a rough place.

“Once I am in my place I do feel better but I don’t feel safe around that way.”

A police spokesman said: “’Officers were called to Southchurch Boulevard at around 10.pm on July 14 following reports of a man being assaulted.

“The victim was punched in the face by a man who then left the scene, walking towards Hamstel Road.

“The victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

“A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent. He remains in custody.”