A MAN has been arrested and charged in connection with a stabbing in Old Leigh.

Stuart Bowdler, 36, of Beresford Road, appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 6 February to face charges of wounding with intent and possession of an offensive weapon.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Basildon Crown Court on March 6.

It follows an incident in which a man aged in his 30s was stabbed in the back and neck outside the Smack pub, in Old Leigh's High Street. His injuries were not life threatening.

A spokesperson for Ye Olde Smack, which is run by Greene King, said: “On Saturday night our team and customers assisted a gentleman who entered the pub looking for help after an incident in the street outside.

“An ambulance was called and we closed the pub early to allow police to carry out their investigations.

“Our thoughts are with the injured man and we hope he makes a quick recovery.”