TWO men have been arrested for grievous bodily harm after a axe was brandished during a street fight.

The men were seen fighting in the street, in Havengore, Basildon, shortly before 7pm on Monday night.

One man was allegedly wielding an axe during the incident, with the other man suffering injuries to his back, legs and lip and was treated for non life-threatening injuries.

Both men were subsequently arrested by officers on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and have now been bailed pending further enquiries.

Shocked residents immediately took to Facebook after witnessing the street brawl - which is believed to have lasted up to 15 minutes.

One resident witnessed police searching the area immediately after, carrying the blood soaked T-shirt of one of the victims before he was located.

The two men, aged 34 and 27, were bailed as investigations continue.

The 34-year-old was also arrested in relation to an alleged breach of a court order, but faces no further action.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We were called by the ambulance service at around 6.45pm on Monday, May 21, with reports of an assault in Havengore, Basildon.

“A man suffered injuries to his back, legs and lip following an altercation with another man armed with what is believed to be an axe.

“The victim’s injuries are not life-threatening.

“We arrested a 34-year-old man of no fixed address at Festival Leisure Park on Tuesday, May 22, on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and breaching a court order.

“He was released on bail until June 18 on suspicion of GBH, pending further enquiries.

“He was released without charge in relation to the alleged breach of a court order and faces no further action in relation to this matter.

“We also arrested a 27-year-old man from Basildon on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.

“He was also released on bail until June 18, pending further enquiries.”

Anyone witnesses or anyone with information can contact police on 101.

Alternatively, residents can contact charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111.

To report information anonymously online visit https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously