A man is in life-threatening condition after being hit over the head with a large object.

Police are currently on scene and a large cordon is in place after the attack which took place at about 5am this morning in Deacon Drive Laindon.

A police spokesman said: "We are currently on scene at an address Deacon Drive, Laindon following a serious assault.

"We were called by the ambulance service at 5.40am today (Wednesday, October 3) to reports of a man in his 30s with a serious head injury.

"A witness reported seeing the victim being struck over the head by another man with what has been described as a large object.

"He has been taken to hospital where his injury is being treated as life-threatening.

"A cordon has been put in place while we investigate."

Det Insp Anna Granger, from Basildon CID, said: “Our investigation is at a very early stage and but we are starting to build a picture of what happened.

“Two men were seen in the area at the time of the assault, including the reported attacker, who then ran off shortly after and we need to identify them and speak to them.

“Deacon Drive is a busy residential area and although this assault took place early in the morning I believe someone will have seen something.

“If you saw or heard anything or have any CCTV I need you to speak to my team.”

If you have any information about the incident please call Essex Police on 101 quoting incident 132 of October 3 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.