A man is in hospital with serious injuries after being stabbed repeatedly in Westcliff on Saturday evening.
The victim is believed to have been attacked at around 8.30pm near the junction of Station Road and Palmerston Road, close to Westcliff train station.
Despite suffering several stab wounds, the man managed to reach the emergency department at Southend Hospital, arriving shortly before 9pm on 8 November. Hospital staff then alerted police.
Detectives have traced the man’s route and believe the attack happened beside a wall at the top of Palmerston Road where it meets Station Road. Officers are reviewing CCTV, speaking with residents and businesses in the area and carrying out house to house enquiries.
Detective Superintendent Shaun Kane said: “We’re working diligently to build a fuller picture of how this man sustained his serious injuries and we’ve been able to track him back this location, a wall at the top of Palmerston Road where it meets Station Road.
“Key to our work is speaking with people who witnessed any concerning or violent behaviour in the area on Saturday evening.
“It could be that you were walking past and witnessed an incident, or you were driving past and may have caught something on dashcam or your doorbell camera captured something of interest.
“I would appeal to anyone who has information on what happened to please come forward.”
Police are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in the area between 8pm and 8.50pm, either on foot or driving, or anyone with CCTV, dashcam or doorbell cameras facing the street.
Residents in the community have spoken of their concern. Lorraine Archer said: “I always have car doors locked when driving anywhere around there including Hamlet Court road. I have always felt sorry for all the care workers you see walking home from work around that part of Westcliff in the dark.”
Another local resident, Liz Large, added: “I hope victim recovers well and the culprit is caught and dealt with.”
Knife crime continues to be an issue both locally and across the UK. Southend, like many towns and cities, has seen continued efforts from police and community groups to reduce youth violence and weapon carrying. Nationally, the Office for National Statistics has reported that knife-related offences have risen over the past decade, prompting ongoing campaigns and enforcement operations.
Information about this incident can be reported to Essex Police via their website or their 24/7 Live Chat service. You should quote incident number 1382 of 8 November when submitting information. Info can also be shared anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.