A TEENAGER suffered a serious head injury after being attacked by an armed gang near a train station.

Police were called at around 6.40pm on Tuesday to Cross Court, Laindon after the boy was attacked in the street and left covered in blood.

Investigating officers believe he was assaulted by a large group of teenagers and hit over the head - with witnesses rushing to help with the boy in a “bad state”.

Witnesses also saw weapons brandished during the incident near the train station.

One woman, who asked to remain, anonymous said: “My husband did think he saw weapons and I posted about it online and my only purpose was to see no children arrive at the scene as the boy looked awful.

“There was so many teenagers there and looking at the young lad you would definitely think it was a fight outside Laindon News at the station.”

Community leaders said this violent gang must be dealt with and brought to justice.

David Harrison, chairman of the neighbourhoods and public spaces committee said: “This is just shocking and with everything else going on with the coronavirus it’s even worse.

“I would have thought there would have been lots of people around this area at this time.

“This is just not the sort of thing we want anywhere in Basildon and I just hope any witnesses come forward and speak with police soon.

“We need to catch these culprits and bring them to justice soon. I also hope this victim recovers soon and can help police with their investigation.”

Essex Police has also appealed for information following the attack.

A spokesman said: “If anyone has any information, CCTV or dashcam footage please call us on 101 quoting incident 1079 of 22 September.

“Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 100 per cent anonymously.”