A GOOD Samaritan who was trying to cool down an argument was assaulted and left unconscious after a man launched an attack on him.

Police are now hunting the suspect following the incident which occurred at about 2.30am today outside Unit 7, in Basildon’s Festival Leisure Park.

The victim, a man in his 20s, had intervened between a friend and an unknown man who were having an argument.

The unknown man then punched the victim on the side of the head, causing him to fall to the ground.

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He sustained a serious head injury and was taken to hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

The suspect was last seen running near the Holiday Inn. He is described as a short, white man with tattoos and aged in his 30s. He was wearing a blue jacket.

PC Alex Franklin, investigating, said: “The Festival Leisure Park was busy and there were lots of people in the area around this time. I want anyone who saw what happened to contact us today, if possible.”

Anyone who was in the area at the time and saw what happened is asked to contact Essex Police on 101 quoting incident 142 of May 30.

You can submit a report online at https://www.essex.police.uk or use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.