A DOG walker was bitten and hit with a "metal object", suffering a cut to the head, during a violent assault in a field in Benfleet.

Police officers were called to a “serious assault” in a field off Manor Road shortly before 4.30pm on Tuesday after passers-by reported that a man was pleading for help after being injured in the field.

The victim, a man in his 30s, sustained an arm injury, a bite, and a cut to the head during the incident.

Witnesses reported a man fleeing the scene however officers have confirmed a man was arrested on suspicion of GBH within 20 minutes of the crime being reported.

The man arrested, aged 52 and from Benfleet, was questioned on suspicion of GBH. He has since been released on conditional bail until July whilst our enquiries continue.

Andrew Sheldon, Conservative candidate standing for the Tarpots ward, said: “This sounds like an horrific attack.

“I am pleased the police have acted quickly to make an arrest.

“I would urge anyone who saw this assault to come forward to the police as soon as possible.”

Reports suggested there were attempts to steal the dog from the alleged victim, however, at this stage Essex Police don’t believe this was the case.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “A man was arrested 20 minutes after a serious assault was reported to us in Benfleet.

“It was reported that a man had been injured having been assaulted with a metal object whilst walking in a field off Manor Road shortly before 4.30pm on Tuesday, 16 April.

“The victim, a man aged in his 30s, sustained an arm injury, a bite, and a cut to his head.

“The man arrested, aged 52 and from Benfleet, was questioned on suspicion of GBH and has been released on conditional bail until July whilst our enquiries continue.”

You can contact the independent crimefighting charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Andrew Sheldon is running in Tarpots. Other candidates are: Kieron Bowker (PIP), Michael Dearson (PIP), Holly Foxen (Lab), Susan Foxen (Lab), Sunil Gupta (Con), and Benn Wimbledon (PIP).