Detectives are investigating after a man was stabbed by a gang armed with machetes in Southend's high street.

The incident happened at about 8.15pm last night and at this stage, police are not linking it to the murder investigation in Roots Hall Drive.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We were called with reports that a man had been seriously assaulted on Southend High Street at around 8.15pm yesterday evening, Thursday, February 21.

"It was reported that three men on pushbikes approached a man in his 20s and stabbed him.

Read more: Man stabbed to death in Southend

"The men then cycled off in the direction of Park Street.

"The victim was taken to hospital and treated for non-serious injuries."

One man who saw the attack described a gang of men on bikes carrying machetes.

Witnesses or anyone who saw any suspicious behaviour in the area around this time are asked to contact Southend CID on 101 quoting 42/28707/19

Information can also be given completely anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/