Police were today hunting two men after a man was viciously assaulted and knocked unconscious outside a nightspot.

The victim, who is thought to be in his 20s, was attacked outside Emily's bar, in Eastern Esplanade, Canvey, at 1am on Saturday.

Passers-by alerted ambulance crews but as the paramedics arrived two men were seen leaving the scene.

The man, who is from the island, was taken to Basildon Hospital with head injuries and a suspected fractured skull.

Although X-rays showed there was no skull fracture, the man was kept in hospital for treatment to his other injuries.

The two men seen walking away from the incident are in their mid-20s with big build and one was bald.

Jason Sculthorpe, crime reduction officer at Rayleigh police, said: "This was a vicious assault. "We would ask anyone who saw the incident or who has any information to contact Rayleigh police station on 01268 775533."

Published Tuesday, June 17, 2003

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