Three men have been arrested in connection with a daylight assault that left the victim with a fractured eye socket and missing teeth.

They include a 28-year-old Dagenham man and two men aged 27 and 34 from Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex.

The victim, a 27-year-old man, was punched in the face and head between 8.15pm and 8.30pm last Thursday (June 6).

When he fell to the ground his attackers continued to punch and kick him, police said, leaving him with a fractured eye socket, dislodged teeth and lumps and cuts to his head and face.

The attack, which also left the victim with a right eye so badly bruised it was swollen shut, is believed to have taken place near the Sealife Centre, in Eastern Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, Essex.

Investigating officer DC Sam Boyd, of Southend police, said: “This is a particularly nasty assault which happened on the seafront while it would still have been daylight.

“There were a number of people who were close by at this time and we are hoping they can provide us with the information needed to bring these three attackers to justice.”

The three men have been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodlioly harm and were released on bail until July 24, while enquiries continue.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Southend police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.