POLICE have arrested three more men as part of their investigations into a serious assault which took place in Hullbridge in the early hours yesterday.

A man was left with serious head injuries after a brawl spilled out of a pub into the street.

The 55-year-old man from Hullbridge was found lying outside shops near the Smugglers Den on Ferry Road at about 1.50am yesterday.

Officers arrested a 25-year-old man at a Rayleigh address on suspicion of assault, after which he himself was taken to Basildon Hospital, for treatment to injuries he had sustained.

A 22-year-old and two 19 year olds, all from Hullbridge, were also arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. They have been taken to police stations in Grays and Southend for questioning. A 25-year-old man previously arrested also remains in custody. Enquiries into the incident are continuing.

The man with head injuries was initially taken to Southend Hospital before being transferred to Queens Hospital, London, for further treatment where is reported to be in a serious but stable condition.

Investigating officer Det Insp Jon Burgess said: "Our initial enquiries suggest that there was some sort of dispute in the Smugglers Den public house which then carried on into the street.

“If anyone who was in the pub witnessed this argument or saw what happened afterwards then I would very much like to speak to them.”

Anyone with information can contact Det Insp Burgess at Southend Police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.