A MAN was picked up by a taxi driver after a being left with “very nasty” facial injuries in an assault.

The 24-year-old was picked by a taxi driver near Bournemouth Park Road, Southend, after the he was assaulted at about 3.30am yesterday.

He was taken to Southend Hospital where he continues to receive treatment to facial injuries which include a suspected fractured cheekbone.

Det Con Shelley Utley, of Southend CID, said the assault was believed to have taken place on Bournemouth Park Road and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

She said: "The victim has suffered some very nasty injuries. We have established a potential crime scene in Bournemouth Park Road which is where his wallet was recovered, although there was money missing.

"We also believe a taxi driver picked the victim up from close to this location and took him to hospital. We would very much like to speak to the taxi driver as a witness and would also like to hear from anyone else who may have any information as to what happened to this young man.”

Call Det Con Utley at Southend Police Station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.