Arrests made after man stabbed in disturbance

A man suffered "potentially life-changing" injuries after being hit by a vehicle and stabbed during a "disturbance" in a city, police said.

Essex Police said it was called to Chichester Road in Southend-on-Sea at about 02:00 BST on Sunday after reports of a fight involving two groups of people, some believed to be carrying knives.

The force believes the incident may have been linked to an earlier disturbance in London Road.

An armed response unit sent to the scene found a man with stab wounds. Officers said further investigations indicated a vehicle had hit him.

Four people, three men and one woman, were arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.

Chief Supt Chris Bradford said: "I understand how concerning this incident will be to the local community today.

"I want to reassure you that officers have made quick arrests and we believe that those involved are known to each other."

He said there would be an increased police presence in the area and he urged anyone with information to come forward.

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