A murder investigation was launched after a 56-year-old man died following a vicious attack on Southend seafront.

Police believe John Williams was assaulted near the Esplanade Pub in Western Esplanade 18 days ago on Saturday, September 18.

Youths who were in Royal Terrace spotted Mr Williams staggering towards them from the shrubbery, asking them to call him an ambulance.

Paramedics later took him to Southend Hospital, where he died on Wednesday, October 6 - two and a half weeks after the attack.

A post mortem examination revealed that he had been seriously assaulted with rib injuries and a ruptured spleen.

Senior investigating officer, Det Supt Simon Dinsdale, said: "Some people gave him a serious kicking. He was treated for assault type injuries but his condition got worse.

"He was not a terribly well man but it was the kicking that led to him dying. However, we are not clear at the moment about the precise cause of death."

Anyone who can help should call Rayleigh major incident team on 01268 775588.