A MAN who was picked up and used as a “battering ram” during an assault has slammed police for taking more than two weeks to visit him.

The 28-year-old, who asked not to be named, was out with a 30-year-old pal near the Odeon in London Road, Southend, at about 2.30am on September 10.

Both men were attacked and left with face, neck and back injuries requiring treatment at hospital.

The man said police simply told him “we’ll be in touch” - but have so far still not taken a statement.

He said: “I feel like this has been treated like a ‘closing time pub fight’ rather than two men being attacked unprovoked on their way home.

“I’m sure if it had happened at 2pm rather than 2am it would be more of a priority.

“I feel badly let down by the police. The police haven’t given this the due time or effort so far.

“To not even take a statement when the assault occurred more than two weeks ago is just unacceptable.”

The man said during the beating he was picked up and slammed head first several times into a cash machine like a “battering ram”.

He said: “We managed to get ourselves to A&E. My friend suffered face and neck injuries while I suffered head, neck and back injuries. I am still in contact with doctors regarding further treatment.”

The pair called police that night and an officer called back two days later to say the case had been allocated.

However, the man claims the officer called again the following day to say she was due to go on rest days and would “pick it up” when back.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Police are investigating an assault which occurred in the Broadway, off London Road, in Southend, at around 2am on Saturday, September 10.

“It was reported to police just after 4am. A second assault was also reported by a friend of the victim who had also been assaulted by the same group of people.

“Both victims have been spoken to by officers investigating the incident and those officers have been and continue to make enquiries. “

Call Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.