Southend: Teenager taken to hospital after serious assault

Early enquiries by Essex Police found the victim had been assaulted close to the Westcliff Hotel on Westcliff Parade

A teenager who was assaulted near a seafront has been taken to hospital.

Essex Police were called to Western Esplanade in Southend on Thursday shortly after 15:00 GMT following reports of someone suffering injuries.

A 17-year-old boy was taken to hospital with serious, but not life threatening, injuries.

Det Insp Steve Franklin said there would be an "increased police presence tonight (Thursday) and into tomorrow".

He said: "We are working quickly to investigate this assault. No arrests have been made at this stage but our officers have seized a weapon we believe to be connected.

"I can assure the public that we believe this to be isolated incident."

Officers found the victim had been assaulted close to the Westcliff Hotel on Westcliff Parade.

The Essex Police Crime Investigation Department is appealing for any witnesses or information.