A MAN arrested by armed police is in a critical condition after sustaining what are believed to be self-inflicted stab wounds.

Armed police and ambulance crews were called to an incident in Park Street, Westcliff, at 9.30am today where a woman received serious injuries.

Officers and paramedics discovered the 26-year-old woman had suffered suspected stab wounds.

She has been taken by air ambulance to a London hospital where her condition is currently described as life threatening.

Echo:

(pic by Echo reader Karl Flanigan)

Following police enquiries, a 42-year-old man was stopped in a black Land Rover Discovery in Eastern Esplanade on the seafront opposite Plas Newydd shortly after 10.30am.

He has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

The suspect has been taken to a London hospital for treatment to suspected stab wounds, which are believed to be self-inflicted. He remains in a critical condition.

Echo:

(pic by Echo reader Karl Flanigan)

Police are continuing their investigations at both locations but are satisfied that they are not seeking any further suspects in connection with this incident.

However detectives are still seeking any witnesses who may have observed any part of the incidents.

They want to talk to anyone who remembers seeing the black old-style Land Rover at any time between 9.00am and 10.30am this morning.

Any witnesses are asked to contact detectives at the Brentwood Major Investigation team on 101.