DETECTIVES investigating an assault where a man received a fractured skull have today issued CCTV images of four people they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

The 20-year-old victim was on his way home from a night out at Churchills bar in the town when he was approached by a group of men in Essex Street who started assaulting him, knocking him to the ground, where he continued to be punched and kicked.

The man, who lives locally, returned home but was admitted to hospital a few days later when his condition worsened.

Doctors found he had a fractured skull and bleed on the brain.

The attack happened near the junction with Chichester Road at around 2am on August 18. It is believed to have been an unprovoked attack.

Anyone who recognises the four men from the CCTV images taken from a Southend takeaway store can call PC Chris Flynn at Southend CID via Essex Police 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.