A STREET brawl broke out following claims a pregnant woman had been attacked.

Witnesses took to social media to report how a group of five men had gathered at the scene, on Bellevue Road, Southend, with one violently hitting another man, yelling that he had hit a pregnant woman.

It was reported that the man who was being assaulted, laid on the ground outside the entrance to Sainsbury’s Local, and that a police cordon was put in place following the assault which happened on Thursday at 4.45pm.

The man, who is in his twenties, was left with head injuries which required hospital treatment.

Councillor Martin Terry, cabinet member for community safety at Southend Council, said: “I’m deeply concerned by the clear display of violence shown here.

“This uncontrolled brutality, no matter the circumstance, is absolutely unacceptable. People should be able to control themselves before lashing out in this vicious way.

“My heartfelt condolences go to those who were injured in this situation. I’m sure Essex Police will be doing all they can to catch the perpetrator and ensure justice is served.”

Two men were arrested and remain in custody. A 29-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and a second man, 30, was arrested on Friday morning on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm.

A spokesman from Essex Police, said: “Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Southend’s Local Policing Team on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/189038/19.

“Alternatively, you can speak to Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555111.”