The Halstead man left with critical injuries in an alleged assault was on his way home from his birthday drinks, his son has revealed.

Alex Todd, 44, has been placed in an induced coma in Queen’s Hospital, Romford, after being found in Butler Road, Halstead, in the early hours of Saturday morning.

He is currently in a stable, but critical, condition.

His only son, 21-year-old carer Luke, also of Halstead, said: “He was out celebrating his birthday which was on the Friday night.

“He was on his way home when it happened.

“It destroys me inside that someone could do that to someone.

“I don’t think people realise the impact it has."

For the full interview, see this week's Halstead Gazette