TWO men have been arrested after a Basildon man was allegedly raped.

A man was heard screaming for help from a house in London Road, West Thurrock.

Police were called by neighbours. Officers found a 22-year-old man bleeding heavily from an arm wound.

One neighbour said she saw the victim "covered in blood" being led away from the property by paramedics.

Police confirmed they are investigating a rape claim.

Roger Grimwade, a spokesman for Essex Police, said: "Police were called to the premises on London Road where they found a 22-year-old man from Basildon with a serious wound to his forearm.

"He was bleeding profusely."

He was taken to Basildon Hospital for treatment and has now been transferred to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, where he is undergoing microsurgery on the wound.

In the aftermath of the attack police cordoned off two houses, which are opposite the Ship Inn, and a nearby alleyway while forensic officers carried out a search and examination of the scene.

The alleged rape happened at around 1am on Sunday morning.

Two men, aged 45 and 52, both from Grays were arrested on suspicion of rape. They have been released on bail, until November, pending further inquiries.