Two men were left severely injured after reports of a mass brawl on Southend seafront last night.

Essex Police have yet to confirm the circumstances but dozens of witnesses reported a group of about 20 people fighting in Marine Parade, Southend, at about 6.45pm last night.

Paul Thompson, a seafront trader, said: "I noticed a large commotion on the seafront outside theForesters pub involving about 20 people.

"On closer inspection I could see what appeared to be a mass brawl, with two men being attacked by youths with bricks.

"Both had clearly suffered head wounds and one looked like Terry Butcher from the World Cup all those years ago.

"Both myself and quite a few other witnesses dialed 999."

Essex Police has been contacted for comment.