POLICE have arrested two people on suspicion of robbery after a major incident left a man in hospital with serious injuries.

Emergency services were called out to Middleborough and North Hill on Wednesday night as police put up a large cordon after a suspected attack.

One man could be seen being stretchered into an ambulance and a member of the public told The Gazette one man had their hand “slashed”.

Essex Police have now issued a formal statement to say officers were called shortly after 9.35pm following concerns for the welfare of a man, who was found seriously injured when they arrived.

Large patches of blood could be seen on the pavement outside Brunch and Globe Food and Wine on Wednesday night, though police have not confirmed whether the incident was a stabbing.

The victim is believed to have been robbed of his coat as well as other items, and was taken to hospital to be treated for serious injuries which are not thought to be life-threatening

One passer-by told the Gazette: “We came out and heard shouting – one guy had his hand slashed.

“Two people have been attacked but we don’t know what over.”

A 45-year-old man and 41-year-old woman have now been arrested on suspicion of robbery, with the man sustaining a minor hand injury during the incident, police said.

Det Insp Tim Coyles, who is leading the investigation into the suspected robbery, said: “I know that this may cause the local community concern, but we are working quickly to establish what happened prior to the man being injured and we have arrested two people on suspicion of robbery.

“The victim reported he had property taken from him, including his coat.

“We will maintain a police presence in the area as we carry out enquiries in the North Station Road area.”