A vicious gang ambushed a man on a Wickford industrial estate and attacked him with a machete, leaving him seriously injured.

The victim almost lost the fingers of one hand and needed six hours of reconstructive surgery to repair damage to his legs.

Police are hunting two men they believe to be the ringleaders - and have issued an urgent appeal for witnesses.

The attack occurred at the entrance to The Elms Industrial Park off Cranfield Park Road.

Det Sgt Andy Richardson said the 36-year-old victim, who is from Rochford, had been delivering some machinery to one of the units based on the estate when he was set upon.

Det Sgt Richardson said: "During the incident he was attacked with a long-bladed knife, sword or machete.

"He had very severe injuries to his hand - at first we thought his fingers had been chopped off.

"His legs were also severely injured. This seems to have been a planned attack against this one man - it was an ambush."

Police sealed off the estate for forensic experts. Officers are now studying CCTV captured at the site.

The man who wielded the machete was middle-aged, with thinning dark hair. He was stocky or fat and had a pot belly.

A second man was 6ft tall and well-built. The gang left in several vehicles, including a white van.

Two men were later arrested in connection with the incident. They have been released without charge on police bail.

However, Det Sgt Richardson confirmed police are still looking for two other men they believe actually committed the appalling attack.

The victim was today still recovering from his horrific injuries in Basildon Hospital. Police said it is possible he will never regain the full use of his injured hand.

The attack happened between 1pm and 2pm on Friday.

If you can help call Det Sgt Richardson at Wickford CID on 01268 561312 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.