A MAN was hit over the head with a brick in a shocking attack outside a Basildon social club.

The 23-year-old was left with cuts to his face, head and finger after being attacked in the park behind Barstable Social Club, in South Riding, Basildon.

He was taken to Basildon Hospital for treatment, before being allowed to return to his home in Westcliff yesterday morning.

Andrew Buxton, Labour councillor for St Martin’s ward, said he is concerned about the number of violent crimes in the area.

The latest assault comes just 11 days after a terrified woman, in her fifties, had a screwdriver held to her ribs during a robbery in the alleyway leading from Chittock Mead to Long Riding.

She was approached by a man who grabbed her around the neck and demanded money from her.

Some residents have also contacted Mr Buxton to say the two working lights in Barstable Park are not bright enough.

He said: “It’s getting a bit scary now, it’s not good.

“We’ve now had two violent street crimes in the area in just over a week.

“It’s beginning to get rather worrying.

“It comes down to the lack of police, there is no visibility on the streets, let alone in isolated places such as parks and alleyways.

“Barstable Park isn’t particularly big, but once you get away from the social club it is quite hidden, so I can see how this happened unnoticed.

“I will make inquiries about the lighting situation there. I know a lot of people use the park as a cut-through, so it’s very worrying if it is pitch black for people walking home.”

Sunday night’s assault took place at about 6.45pm.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Police received a report that a 23-year-old man from Westcliff was assaulted outside Barstable Social Club.

“He suffered cuts to his face, head and a finger.”

Anyone with information can call PC Paul Tucker on 101.