A MAN is in a serious condition in hospital after he was viciously attacked with a pick axe handle.

The assault took place in a flat in High Road, Benfleet in the early hours yesterday.

Officers arrived at about 3.30am to find a 28-year-old man from Benfleet with life-threatening injuries.

He had been brutally struck several times with the handle of a pick axe.

The attack left him with a fractured skull and broken wrist.

The man was rushed to Basildon Hospital by ambulance and was later transferred to Romford Hospital.

He was in a critical condition, but has since improved.

The East of England Ambulance Service was called and sent one rapid response vehicle and one ambulance to the block of flats where the attack took place.

Katie Poel, ambulance service spokeswoman, said paramedics found a member of the public treating the injured man when they arrived.

Scenes of crime officers were at the address throughout yesterday and police community support officers were posted outside the flat.

Anyone with any information about the incident should call Rayleigh CID on 0300 3334444.

l A 22-year-old man from Southend was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm yesterday.

He was being questioned by detectives at Rayleigh police station.