A teenager was pistol-whipped in the middle of a street in Westcliff in the early hours of Thursday morning.

At about 1am police were called out to the scene in Wellington Avenue to reports of a 19-year-old being assaulted by a gang of three whith youths.

The victim was hit over the head with a gun.

However, he received no serious injuries.

Armed officers were dispatched to the area along with a police helicopter in an effort to search for the three suspects.

Anyone with information should contact officers at Southend police station on 101.