THE public is being urged to help police catch a gang who attacked and hit a man with a cosh.

Police said the man was walking through an alleyway between Sandon Road and Feering Green, in Basildon, when the assault happened.

The victim was approached and then attacked by a group of men about 1.20am on Saturday.

He was punched, kicked and hit with a cosh by the attackers.

The victim was rushed to hospital after being left with lacerations to his head and face.

He also suffered a fractured skull in the brutal attack.

Basildon Council’s community safety boss Kerry Smith has called for anyone who can help officers with their inquiries to contact the police as a matter of urgency.

He said: “It’s so important anyone who knows anything about this speaks to the police and lets them know.

“It’s a terrible thing to happen and we really don’t want to see this kind of violent crime on the streets of Basildon.

“These people must be caught.

“Obviously we don’t know the motivation or reason behind this attack yet but these kind of things are quite rare.”

Mr Smith added: “One of the problems with this is something so unnecessary will be putting even more of a strain on the NHS which is under so much pressure from Covid-19.

“I hope the man can make a full recovery.”

Essex Police says it is continuing its investigation into the attack. It is understood no arrests have been made yet.

A force spokesman said: “If you saw anything, have any CCTV or dash cam footage, or have any other information please call us on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/4708/21.”

Anyone with information can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via the website at crimestoppers-uk.org.