A 40-year-old man has been hospitalised after a vicious attack by thugs.

Police are appealing for witnesses after the man was assaulted in Laindon last night and suffered a large cut to the side of his face.

The attack happened near Durham Road and Little Oxcroft in Laindon, about 11pm.

The victim, from Basildon, was taken to Basildon Hospital by taxi, where staff alerted an officer at the hospital about what happened.

The man was later transferred to Broomfield Hospital for surgery, where he remains.

Officers believe the victim had an argument with two black men in their late teens.

They are described as wearing black hooded tops and about 6ft tall.

Anyone with information should call Basildon CID on 0300 3334444.