A MAN has been airlifted to hospital after receiving a “nasty” head injury sustained in mysterious circumstances.

A heavy police presence was spotted in York Road yesterday afternoon, after initial reports of a stabbing in nearby Wesley Road.

On arrival, officers found a man with what police sources described as a “nasty-looking injury” but it remains unclear how he suffered it.

A cordon was put in place and witnesses reported that police officers could be seen searching nearby gardens - although the reason is unclear at this stage.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We were called to reports of a stabbing in Wesley Road, Southend shortly after 2.40pm yesterday.

“A man in his forties has been found with a head injury and has been flown to a nearby hospital for further treatment.

“Police are still investigating the cause of the injury.

“We cordoned off the road to allow investigations to take place.”

An air ambulance landed in Seaways car park and police officers drove the ambulance crew to the scene in Wesley Road where the victim was receiving emergency treatment.

The police response caused alarm among residents as they feared the worst.

One resident, who lives in Wesley Road and asked to remain anonymous, said: “It’s quite a regular occurrence to see a police car round here but when I saw that many, I thought something terrible had happened.

“It’s a relief that no one has been killed but it’s unsettling that they don’t appear to know how the man was injured.

“There’s been so much violence round here, it’s just getting absolutely ridiculous.”

Adam Jackson walked past the scene on his way home from work.

He added: “There must have been about five police cars and two ambulances. I initially thought something had happened at the homeless charity Harp because that’s where they were parked near.

“It’s really strange no one knows what’s happened.”

Anyone with information should contact Southend police on 101or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.