TWO men have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a man was left with serious injuries in a busy high street.

An 18-year-old man and a 20-year-old man, both from Southend, were arrested after the incident shortly after 2am today in High Street, Southend.

The 20-year-old, however, was released without a charge.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We are investigating following a serious assault in Southend.

Echo:

“Our officers were called shortly after 2am today to High Street where a man was found with serious injuries.

“We arrested two men on suspicion of attempted murder and our inquiries are ongoing.

Read more: Part of High Street closed after serious incident with blood stains on the floor

“An 18-year-old man from Southend remains in custody at this time and a 20-year-old man from Southend has been released without charge.”

The incident has caused a section of High Street to be closed as a forensic team has been investigating the scene.

Police officers have also been guarding a cordon between Tylers Avenue and Weston Road.

Echo:

Discarded clothing was surrounded by blood staining the pavement outside McDonalds, as well as seemingly abandoned paramedic kit earlier today.

Residents reported a huge emergency services response following the early-morning assault.

If you have any information about the incident, you can submit a report online at www.essex.police.uk or use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.

You should quote incident 175 of October 24.

You can also call Essex Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.