A MAN was taken to hospital after being stabbed in the buttock after a brawl outside a Southend takeaway.

Police officers were called to the ‘disturbance’ outside Royal Grill, in Southchurch Road, at about 4.30am on Saturday morning, following reports of a number of people fighting.

The 23-year old suffered a puncture wound on his left buttock and was taken to Southend Hospital where he remains, while a 16-year-old boy was arrested on scene on suspicion of assault, possessing a knife, and criminal damage.

Another man, aged 18, received a bloody nose.

Another 18-year-old was arrested on suspicion of assault.

DS Phil Smith, from Southend CID said: “This was a nasty incident where a man received serious injuries and another was hit in the face.

“There were lots of people in the area at the time and I would ask any witnesses or anyone with any information to come forward and speak to police.”

Anybody that can help is asked to contact Southend CID on 101.