A VIOLENT “machete” attack on a Laindon estate left one main seriously injured with “blood pouring from his head”.

Dozens of police flooded Woolmer Green yesterday afternoon after reports of a group of men launching a violent attack on a man in the street.

Shocked residents described seeing a “large machete” during the attack which happened in the middle of the street in front of horrified witnesses.

Two men were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm within three hours of fleeing the scene.

A shopworker has described seeing the victim run into the shop “covered in blood” and pleading for help after the attack.

Essex Police have urged any witnesses to come forward urgently.

A large cordon was put in place shortly after the attack and forensic teams were spotted carrying out investigations.

Agnelo Desouza, Trinity Food and Wine owner, said: “A man burst into my shop covered in blood. He was screaming and just drenched in blood and he had a head injury from a machete.

“He was covered in cuts on his hands as well, across three of his fingers.

“I called the police right away. I left the door open to let police come in but all I saw was him burst in after the attack. It was absolutely horrific, I have never seen anything like it.”

His wife, Maria Desouza added: “His injuries were extremely bad. I saw and all I could do was scream and cry.

“The blood was everywhere, he was covered in it. We went through three towels trying to dry it up and he must have lost a pint and a half of blood. I just didn’t know what to do.”

Witness statements have already been taken from residents in the area, but police are urging anyone who else who may have information to come forward as a matter of urgency.

Detective Insp Marcus Dodd said: “This incident will naturally cause concern with our community and although the investigation is in its early stages, I would reassure our residents that following some quick work by officers on the ground and in other areas of the force that we’ve made two arrests.

“These two men are now in custody and will be questioned.”

He added: “We have already taken accounts from a number of witnesses, which has helped the investigation to progress this afternoon and we thank everyone who has come forward. I would encourage anyone who has information on this incident and has not yet spoken to us to please get in contact.”