A MAN is fighting for his life in hospital after he was attacked while walking his dog in Pitsea.

Police were contacted by the ambulance service at 11pm yesterday (Wednesday, September 15) after the man had been taken to hospital with serious head injuries.

He is understood to have been attacked in the early hours of Wednesday morning but did not suffer any ill-effects from the attack until several hours later.

A spokesman for Essex Police said their major crime team were now investigating how the man, who is in his 60s, suffered his injuries.

A 47-year-old man from Basildon has been arrested on suspicion of GBH. He remains in custody for questioning.

Senior Investigating Officer, Julie Gowen, said: “We believe the victim was assaulted in Pitsea, possibly in the Malyons Mews area, at about 2am on Wednesday morning.

“He later began feeling unwell while at home and was conveyed by ambulance to hospital last night but his condition has sadly deteriorated and he is now in a life-threatening condition.

“One man is in custody being questioned on suspicion of GBH but I am also appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the assault of a dog walker in the Pitsea area at about 2am yesterday morning to come forward and speak to my team.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information on it should call police on 101 and cite incident 1522 of yesterday, September 15.

You can also 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.

Information can also be given to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or https://crimestoppers-uk.org.