A MAN was left with a serious head injury after an assault in Stanford Le Hope.

The 24-year-old man was walking along Church Hill towards the train station at about 10.30pm when two men got out of the back of a light-coloured Ford Focus opposite the Rising Sun pub.

One of the men punched the victim who fell to the ground. The suspects were both white and one was described as 6ft with dark hair and the other had blonde hair.

After the attack, they both got back into the car and drove off.

The victim, from East Ham, was taken to Basildon Hospital, was treated and later discharged himself.

But police were informed on Sunday, March 4, that he had been taken ill and re-admitted to a London hospital with a serious head injury and is described as critical, but stable.

Detectives want to hear from anyone who recognise the description of the men in the car.

Dc Tanya Bailey wants to hear from anyone who knows where the victim was between 7.30pm and 10.30pm on March 2 when the attack happened.

He is believed to have been in the Stanford le Hope area.

The victim is described as wearing all black; black shirt, jacket, trousers and shoes. He is white and medium build and 5ft 11ins tall with short dark hair.

Anyone who can help with any information should contact Dc Bailey at Grays on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.