A MAN needed urgent surgery after being violently attacked…just hours before police were alerted to a hammer-wielding yob in the same street.

Police were called to Woodgrange Drive, Southend, at about 1pm on Sunday, where a man was needed left with a head injury after being pushed into a wall.

Essex Police have launched an appeal for information after the incident which saw the 32-year-old rushed to hospital for surgery.

Just hours later, at about 6.45pm, emergency crews again rushed to the same street after receiving reports that a man was walking around with a hammer near the Kursaal.

Multiple police vehicles, including at least five marked and two unmarked police cars, were spotted at the scene near the junction with Honiton Road as officers conducted their investigation.

After a thorough search of the area, no weapon was found.

Councillor Matt Dent, who represents the Kursaal ward, said: “Assaults or people carrying weapons should not ever be happening at any time, but especially not during the pandemic.

“We should not be in close contact with one another and should instead be distancing, so I’d ask people to be sensible as they can- the virus is still very much out there.

“Any incident of this nature is definitely a concern, but it sounds like the police are doing what they can to get things under control. They have been absolutely fantastic, especially throughout the crisis, and have been out on the frontline while many of us work from home to keep us safe. If anyone has any information that could help with their enquiries, I’d urge them to get in touch.”

Police have arrested a 36-year-old man from Southend in relation to the first incident on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. He has been released on bail until August 7.