RESIDENTS in the Southend Road area of Grays near the junction with Chadwell Road woke to find the area sealed off by police.

However, by 11.30am police forensic investigations were complete and roads that were closed have reopened.

Police have now given details of what they are investigating.

A statement days: "We are appealing for witnesses following reports that a man had been assaulted while on Southend Road, Grays around 12am on Monday 30 November.

"We have received reports of an altercation between a group of men, which resulted in a man sustaining life-threatening injuries.

"A 26-year-old man from Grays has been arrested in connection.

"The road is closed while officers conduct their investigation.

"We would like to speak to anyone who was in the area around this time and saw any suspicious or unusual behaviour.

"We're also keen to hear from anyone who has doorbell, CCTV, or dash cam footage which captured what happened.

"If you have any information, please go to our website home page and select the 'Live Chat' button at the bottom right of the page. Here, between 7am-11pm, you will be able to provide information by speaking to one of our online operators to ensure your report is dealt with as quickly as possible.

Alternatively, you can submit an online report or call 101.

"Information can also be given to independent charity Crimestoppers completely anonymously.

"Please reference incident 49 of 30 November when providing any information to ensure it gets to the investigating officer as quickly as possible."

At 7am today (Monday, 30 November) officers at the scene said the area would be closed for the "foreseeable future". Bus companies were advising that they have been told the incident might continue into the afternoon and some services were diverted via Hathaway Road but they should now be back on normal by midday.

The roads were closed on the approach to the roundabout on Southend Road at the junction with Chadwell Road and College Avenue. Chadwell Road closes at the junction with Rectory Road and Lenmore close to the junction with Langthorne Crescent. Some council 'road closed' signage remains in position but roads are now open.