A SIGNIFICANT police presence saw an area of Tilbury cordoned off this evening and a major route into the town closed off.

The incident happened in the early evening (possibly around 7pm) on St Chads Road on the junction with South View Avenue.

Local residents reported that a man was chased and stopped by a gang and then beaten.

Police put a cordon around the area with officers on scene saying the area would be closed down for several hours while investigations continued.

Forensic teams were at the scene.

The police press office was contacted for details and any responses will be reported here.

Thurrock Nub News live report from the scene: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/2WGdCLAaZy8zPAwE/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Police have been contacted for an official statement.