TWO men have been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm after a man was attacked in Westcliff.

Police have launched a witness appeal after the victim was left with serious injuries in Fleetwood Avenue yesterday afternoon.

Witnesses spotted at least two ambulances along with five police cars rushing to the scene of the incident, which took place near to Westcliff Library at the junction between London Road and Fleetwood Avenue.

The victim, a man in his 30s, was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries following the attack.

Kevin Robinson, ward councillor for the area, said: “Police had asked us to close the library because it was right near it.

“It was just so they could freely investigate and people did not turn up while they were doing what they did.

“It’s still a very serious incident, but if the police have managed to resolve it quickly then I am pleased to hear that.”

Martin Terry, councillor responsible for community safety, said: “It’s a dreadful thing, I wish it didn’t happen but it’s part of the world we live in.

“They have made the arrests which is the important thing and I am sure police will get to the bottom of it.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We were called by the ambulance service at around 1.05pm today with reports that a man had been assaulted.

“He is believed to be between 35-40 years old and has been taken to hospital with serious injuries.

“Two men have been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.

“Our enquiries are ongoing.”

A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service Trust said: “Three ambulances and the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance responded to a call to treat a man who had sustained injuries on Fleetwood Avenue in Westcliff just before 1pm today.

“The patient was transported by air ambulance to The Royal London Hospital.”

If anyone saw what happened or has any information, they should contact police on 101 quoting incident 564 of September 22.

People can also contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555111.