POLICE are investigating a serious assault which took place in Aveley.

The incident took place in the recreation park, off High Street, at about 7pm yesterday (Friday, 24 July) when an 18-year-old man sustained a serious injury to his chest.

He was taken to hospital for treatment and is now in a stable condition.

Officers remained in the area late into the evening as the investigation continued.

A police statement says: "At this stage, we're treating the incident as isolated and we do not believe there is any wider threat to the community.

"We're aware there were a number of witnesses to the incident and we'd encourage anyone who hasn't yet spoken to us to please come forward to provide information.

"If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

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

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"Visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to 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."