AN Essex man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a serious incident near a nightlife hotspot which has left a man in a critical condition.

Essex Police were called to Market Place, in Braintree, at 11.30pm on Friday after receiving reports a man had been seriously injured outside of The Lounge Bar.

Officers and paramedics attended the scene before a 53-year-old man, who is understood to be from the area, was arrested. He remains in custody.

Another man, in his 20s was treated for serious life-threatening injuries and he remains in hospital in a critical condition.

Since the incident detectives have been working around the clock to speak to witnesses and investigate the circumstances surrounding what took place.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: ““We would urge anyone who has not yet come forward to us to please do so and anyone with CCTV or dashboard camera footage which may assist our investigation to get in touch.

“You can let us know any information by submitting a report on our website at essex.police.uk.

“Alternatively you can call us on 101. Please quote incident 1423 of September 9 in any correspondence.”