Police have cordoned off Stadium Road, near the Greyhound Retail Park in Southend, following a serious assault that has left a man fighting for his life. The incident occurred at around 5am on Sunday, 16 February, with multiple ambulances rushing to the scene near the Iceland supermarket.
Greyhound Way is also partially closed as forensic investigators meticulously comb the area for evidence. Witnesses report seeing visible blood on parts of the road and pavement, while a significant police presence remains to secure the crime scene.
Attempted murder investigation underway
Essex Police have launched an attempted murder investigation following the incident, which took place inside an address on Stadium Road. A 21-year-old man from Southend has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in custody for questioning. The investigation is being led by Essex Police’s Serious Crime Directorate.
Police confirmed they were first alerted shortly before 5am to reports of a man with serious injuries near Greyhound Way. Officers arrived on the scene within minutes, working alongside the ambulance service as the man was rushed to hospital in a life-threatening condition.
During their prompt investigation, police discovered that the injuries were inflicted inside a nearby property on Stadium Road. At the same address, officers also found a woman who had suffered non-life-threatening injuries. She is currently receiving hospital treatment.
Increased police presence and ongoing investigation
Detective Chief Inspector Terry Balding, the senior investigating officer leading the case, confirmed that officers would maintain a visible presence in the area as enquiries continue. He emphasised that the priority is to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, which is believed to have occurred between people known to each other.
DCI Balding stated: “At this stage, our priority is establishing the circumstances of this incident. That’s why you’ll see officers in the area, maintaining a presence and carrying out enquiries.
“This presence will be around Greyhound Way and Stadium Road, and we are maintaining a cordon at this time. Please approach our officers if you have any concerns or reach out to us directly with any information which could help us.
“We have established the incident which led to two people suffering injuries was confined to a single address, between people known to each other.
“An arrest was swiftly made and I am confident that at this stage there is no ongoing threat to the public.”
Forensic investigation officers have been seen photographing various areas within the cordon as they continue to gather evidence.
Appeal for information
Essex Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Reports can be submitted through the Essex Police website or via their online Live Chat service, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Alternatively, witnesses can call 101, quoting incident 175 of 16 February.