A gang of men attempted to steal a vehicle while the driver was inside the car.

The men approached two men in King Street, Stanford-le-Hope, at about 6.45pm last night and demanded the keys to a car belonging to one of the victims.

He refused to hand over the keys.

One of the suspects assaulted the other victim during the incident.

He was taken to hospital.

Enquiries are ongoing and witnesses or anyone with information are asked to call Grays CID on 101.