A MAN was left lying unconscious in the street after being smashed in the face with an iron bar.

The 23-year-old man was walking near Tilbury railway station, at the junction of Dunlop Road and Calcutta Road when the shocking attack happened.

He was approached by another man who suddenly hit him him the face with the bar without warning.

The victim, from South Ockendon, was knocked out by the blow. He also suffered jaw injuries.

His attacker ran off while the man lay unconscious in the street.

Investigating officer, Det Con Rachel Slade, of Grays CID, said: "This was an unprovoked attack on a man making his way home.

"His attacker needs to be caught so the streets of Tilbury are safer for everyone."

The attacker was white, in his early thirties, 5ft 11ins tall, with short, brown hair. He had a large, fresh cut on his forearm and was wearing a black jacket, grey cargo trousers and white trainers.

Anyone with information about the attack, at 5.30am on Saturday, should contact Det Con Slade at Grays CID, on 01375 391212, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.