TWO people have been arrested on suspicion of GBH as part of the response to a serious assault which was reported to Essex Police in Basildon in the early hours of Friday, 6 January. 

Officers were called to the Great Knightleys area shortly after 3.30am to reports of a teenage boy having been seriously injured.

A police statement says: "We arrived at the scene, close to the Plough and Tractor pub, and found the boy had sustained a number of wounds to his leg and shoulder. At this stage we believe these to have been caused with a bladed weapon.

"He has been taken to hospital for treatment for his injuries. At this stage, we do not believe them to be life-threatening, but they are potentially life-changing. 

"There remains a significant police presence in the area and officers are carrying out house to house enquiries. 

"Two men were seen leaving the area in a silver car. One of those men was wearing a black Adidas tracksuit. 

"An 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy are in custody being questioned. 

"Detectives are following a number of lines of enquiry, and we have already taken a number of accounts from people in the area and we are continuing to appeal for anyone with information on the incident or door bell and dashcam footage of the area between 3am and 3.40am to come forward. "

Detective inspector Stewart Eastbrook, of Basildon CID, said: "This was a violent incident which took place in a residential area and understandably will cause concern within our community.

"Although the teenage boy has sustained serious injuries, we do not believe they are life-changing and at this stage he remains in hospital for treatment. 

"Although the investigation is in its early stages, we do not believe there is a wider threat to the public."

DI Eastbrook added: "We have already secured a number of witness accounts and footage which we believe will be of interest, but we would like to hear from anyone with information on the incident but have not yet come forward." 

Anyone with information on the incident or doorbell and dashcam footage is asked to let police know by submitting a report online.

Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call police on 101. Please quote crime reference 42/2725/23.