A MAN suffered a serious head injury after being knocked to the ground in a fight outside a pub.

The victim, who is aged in his 40s, was attacked and seriously injured outside the Jolly Friar Pub, in Whitmore Way, Basildon on Tuesday night at about 11.30pm.

Police say the victim was involved in an altercation with a group of men.

One of the men punched the victim, who became unconscious and fell to the ground, hitting his head. The group then ran off.

The man was taken to hospital and remains in a serious but stable condition.

A large cordon was in place around the pub at the front and side of the building, with police cars, officers and a forensic officer on scene.

Dorothy Green, 54, said: “This is so concerning and I hope he makes a speedy and quick recovery.

“I am so shocked about this and I think it will cause a lot of worry in the community.

“I hope it doesn’t have any negative impact on the pub, I know it’s a nice and popular pub.

“People should be able to enjoy an evening out wherever without being attacked liked this.

“I hope the police catch who did this and they are brought to justice soon.”

Simon Smith, 67, added: “This sounds like a horrendous attack and it must have been very scary.

“I hope the man is doing better now and makes a full recovery.

“We cannot have people going about and doing this and getting away with it.

“It was very shocking to see the cordon and blood on the floor.

“I’ve lived here for years and never known anything like it.”

A pub spokesman emphasised the incident is not connected to the business.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any information, should call Basildon CID on 101, quoting reference 42/23467/20.

Information can also be given completely anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.