Police are at the scene of an assault in Southend where an area has been cordoned off.

The incident happened late last night and a man is thought to have suffered serious leg injuries.

Witnesses reported seeing large pools of blood on the floor where the cordon is in place, outside Barringtons flats, in Sutton Road, Southend.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We were called to reports of a man found injured in Sutton Road, Southend at around 4.25am on Thursday, September 13.

"It is believed he had been stabbed in the leg during an assault.

"He was taken to hospital for treatment and his injuries are not life-threatening or life-changing.

"We believe this was a targeted attack and there's no risk to the wider public.

"If you have any information about the incident please call us on 101 quoting incident 134 of September 13 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."