TWO men are under investigation after another man was attacked with a hammer and suffered head injuries.

Witnesses reported screaming and shouting in the early hours as a man ran up and down the street in Blackmores, Basildon.

It is believed an argument broke out between the group of men in one of the flats on the estate which became violent and spilled onto the street.

Essex Police put a cordon in place outside the flats and forensic officers were on scene examining evidence which included pools of blood on the ground.

Police also recovered a bloody hammer.

One resident, who lives in the area and has asked not to be named for fear of reprisals, said: “I didn’t hear the screaming and shouting, but I was alarmed when I saw the police tape in the morning.

“I spoke to an officer who was guarding the cordon and he told me it was an isolated incident and nothing to worry about but it doesn’t necessarily make you feel safe waking up to blood on your street and police everywhere.

“I hope the man makes a good recovery.”

A spokesman for Essex Police confirmed two men were arrested on suspicion of assault following an incident in Blackmores at about 4.30am on Saturday.

He said: “We received reports that a man had been attacked inside a property by suspects armed with what was described as a hammer.

“The victim was taken to hospital with head injuries and we made two arrests at the scene.

“A 24-year-old man from Laindon has been released under investigation and a 21-year-old man from Basildon has been released on bail until Thursday, April 4.”

Any witnesses or anyone with information that could help the investigation should contact Essex Police on 101.

Alternatively, you can contact independent crimefighting charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111.

You can also share information online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online