A man was left injured after a gang of seven men in balaclavas attempted to storm into a home.

Several men described as in their late teens and wearing balaclavas, attempted to gain entry to a flat by breaking a door at the home in London Road, Southend, yesterday at around 10.15pm.

A man in his 40s was assaulted and sustained cuts to his hands and face.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We would like to hear from anyone who noticed anything suspicious or anyone with CCTV or doorbell footage.

"Please call Southend CID on 101 quoting crime reference to 42/30015/20 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."