Residents have been left in shock after a murder probe was launched into the death of a man who was brutally attacked in Pitsea.

It is understood the victim, aged in his 60s, had been assaulted in the Pitsea area at about 2am on Wednesday morning either while walking his dog or at his home in Malyons Mews.

He suffered a head injury which worsened throughout the day and was subsequently admitted to hospital in a life-threatening state, where his condition again deteriorated.

The man later died from his injuries, with it believed the victim and attacker were known to each other.

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

Shocked, Tracey Smith has lived in Malyons Mews since 2005 and has never seen anything like this happen near her home.

The 50-year-old, said: "It really doesn't happen here, this is the first time we've seen anything like that.

"You hear of it all the time elsewhere, people being attacked. But I've lived here for years, and it is scary when it's so close to your home.

"I was so shocked, I heard about what had happened on Facebook but I didn't hear a thing in the night. There were lots of police round here on Thursday night.

"My condolences are with the man's family."

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Police say they will now be increasing patrols in Pitsea to reassure the public following the incident. 

Resident Brett Olive, 39, continued: "I noticed when I put the bins out that something had happened.

"There were a lot of police on Thursday and they were still there today too.

"But it is very unusual for our area, you don't usually see this or hear about it happening too often.

"It's very sad to hear the man has now passed away."

A Malyons Mews resident, 45, who wished to remain anonymous, added: "I was so shocked that someone had been attacked so close to the back of the house.

"This particular area is usually quite quiet and we've not had any issues before.

"So it is sad to hear, you don't want to hear of anyone being attacked let alone this."

Anyone with information has been urged to call Essex Police on 101 and cite incident 1522 September 15.