A MAN has been stabbed during a brawl at a football match in south Essex.

Essex Police was contacted following reports of a disturbance during a football game at Billericay Town Football Club.

The incident occurred at the ground in Blunts Wall Road, in Billericay, at around 9:15pm last night.

During the reported brawl, a man received a stab wound to his leg and needed hospital treatment.

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Officers are investigating the incident and are conducting high-visibility patrols to reassure the community.

Chief Insp Dan McHugh, Basildon District Commander, said: “While incidents of this nature understandably cause a level of concern, the wider community in Billericay can be assured this was an isolated incident of disorder with no wider threat to the public.

“Recognising that concern law-abiding residents will rightly have, you will see an increased policing presence in and around Billericay this afternoon and into the evening.

“The team will continue to conduct high-visibility patrols, both to keep you safe and to offer a level of reassurance to the community.”

The match itself was the Essex Alliance Division 3 Cup Final between Newbury East FC and FC Whitley Wood.

The game was abandoned shortly after the 60th minute while Newbury East were 3-0 up due to “a serious incident”.

In a statement, the management committee at the Essex Alliance League, said: “The league is aware of a serious incident which occurred during the Division Three Cup final on Thursday evening at Billericay Town FC.

“We are working closely with the clubs and authorities to ensure that swift action is taken to identify those involved and raise the appropriate sanctions”.

An Essex Police spokesman added: “We were contacted by our ambulance service colleagues shortly before 9.15pm on Thursday 25 May, reporting a disturbance at a football match at Billericay Town Football Club’s ground in Blunts Wall Road, Billericay.

“They reported a male had received a stab wound to his leg.

“His injury is non-life threatening, and he is receiving hospital treatment.

“Our investigation into this incident is progressing and we are pursuing a number of lines of inquiry.

“We need anyone with information or relevant footage to come forward.

“Please quote reference number 42/94160/23.”