A WOMAN has been left with serious injuries after being attacked near a Southend park, sparking an attempted murder investigation.

The victim was attacked in broad daylight shortly before midday on Sunday in Kensington Road, close to Southchurch Park.

A large cordon was in place throughout Sunday as police investigated the scene.

A 30-year-old man from Southend has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, Essex Police has confirmed.

He remained in custody when the Echo went to print yesterday evening.

Sections of Kensington Road were closed as specialist officers dealt with the crime scene.

Detectives are now appealing for witnesses to come forward with information.

A spokesman said: “We have arrested a man following an assault in Kensington Road, Southend.

“A woman was found to have suffered serious injuries.

“A 30-year-old-man from Southend has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

“Our enquiries are ongoing, and we are appealing for anyone with information to get in touch.

“If you have any information, you can submit a report online at www.essex.police.uk.

“Please quote incident 457 of July 3.

“You can also call us on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Ron Woodley, former deputy council leader and ward councillor for the area, reacted in shock at the incident.

He said: “I hate to think that something like that can happen anywhere in Southend, let alone my ward.

“I hope this woman makes a full recovery, and that she and her family get the support they need to move on from this horrible attack.

“It’s not easy for women to feel safe nowadays, let alone after being victims to something as awful as this.”

He added: “I think it shows that we need to get more police on the streets, but we need to find a way to do so without it costing an arm and a leg.

“If anyone has any information that might be able to help police progress their investigation, please make yourself known to Essex Police.”