A PETROL service station and shop was closed by police this morning (Saturday, 17 January) to facilitate a forensic examination after a clash between two gangs.

The service station on the Daneholes roundabout at Blackshots opened around midday after police completed their work.

Staff at the garage said they saw blood on the floor around the petrol pumps.

A statement from Essex Police said: "Detectives are investigating following reports of a fight involving several people at a petrol station in Grays.

"Officers were called around 12.30am on Saturday 17 January following reports of a fight at the Esso at the Daneholes roundabout in Stanford Road, Grays.

"Officers arrived at the scene and spoke to a number of witnesses and carried out extensive enquiries, those involved had already fled.

"They located one man at hospital, a victim believed to have suffered injuries as a result of attempting to intervene.

"Detectives are continuing to review CCTV in the area and are appealing for anyone with information about those involved or any witnesses that have yet to speak to us to get in touch.

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"If you have information, please contact us quoting incident number 34 of Saturday 17 January.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website where you can use our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111."