A MAN is fighting for life after he was "smashed on head with large object" in Essex.

Cops were called at around 5.40am this morning to an address in Laindon to reports of a man in his 30s with a serious head injury.

A witness reported seeing the victim being struck over the head by another man with what has been described as a large object.

The man was rushed to hospital with a life-threatening injury.

Police are on the scene.

Detective Inspector Anna Granger, from Basildon CID, said: “Our investigation is at a very early stage and but we are starting to build a picture of what happened.

“Two men were seen in the area at the time of the assault, including the reported attacker, who then ran off shortly after and we need to identify them and speak to them.

“Deacon Drive is a busy residential area and although this assault took place early in the morning I believe someone will have seen something.

“If you saw or heard anything or have any CCTV I need you to speak to my team.”

Figures from Essex Police showed Laindon Park was one of the most dangerous places to live in Basildon, with 140 offences registered in June alone.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident 132 of October 3 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Evidence of soaring crime in Wild West Britain was revealed in shocking statistics published this summer.

The UK has seen a surge in crime across the country, with knife crime up by 16 per cent, robbery up by 30 and knife crime by 12 per cent.