DETECTIVES have arrested a second man on suspicion of grievous bodily harm in connection with a serious assault in Benfleet.

A 28-year-old man from Basildon was arrested yesterday and has been released under investigation.

Police previously arrested a 29-year-old man from Benfleet on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and have also released him under investigation.

The arrest follows an incident at around 12.30am on Sunday, June 18, where a man was attacked after leaving a function at the South Benfleet Social Club.

The victim, a 44-year-old man from Benfleet, walked off along Vicarage Hill but the men followed and seriously assaulted him.

He was taken to hospital for a serious head injury where he is in a critical but stable condition and remains in a medically induced coma.

Police are now looking to find a man who may have witnessed the attack. He has been described as wearing glasses and helped the victim following the assault.

Anyone with information should call Harlow Major Investigation Room on 01279 621802 or by calling 101 quoting Operation Vane.

You can also give information to independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not have to attend court.