A MAN had been seriously injured after being attacked by two men with what was thought to be a large knife.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to the assault, which took place in Kingsway, Dovercourt last Friday shortly before 6.30pm.

The man, in his twenties, was treated for serious but not life-threatening injuries.

Ivan Henderson, councillor for the Harwich and Kingsway ward, said it is always a shock to hear about any knife crime related incidents, but said it is a bigger shock when you hear it has taken place in the town.

He said: “In my view anybody carrying a knife has got the intention to use it and I believe the full weight of the law should be used to deal with them.

“It is the police’s duty to get knives off the streets, but it is equally our responsibility if we know anybody carrying a knife.

“Try persuading the person not to do this anymore, but if they don’t listen, they should be reported to the police, to make sure those people are dealt with.

“I’m concerned for the person who has been attacked and I hope he will be receiving the support he needs during this time.”

Insp Darren Deex, of the Tendring Community Policing Team, said incidents of this nature are rare, often involving people known to each other and therefore residents should feel assured they live in a “relatively safe environment”.

He said: “Thankfully incidents of this nature are rare, however when they do occur we have response officers based locally who are able to respond promptly and are trained to provide immediate first aid should the need arise.

“Harwich Police Station continues to be staffed 24/7 by response officers and these teams are supported by my community policing team, including two dedicated town centre team officers.

“Officers from the Harwich Local Policing Team arrived on scene at this incident within eight minutes of receiving the initial call.

“We also have a number of officers trained in the use of Taser to further enhance our ability to respond effectively to incidents involving the use of serious violence.

“Together with community safety partners we continue to tackle all forms of serious violence in the community.”

If you were in the area at the time of the incident or witnessed it, or anything suspicious call Clacton CID on 101 quoting 42/189418/19 crime reference number.

Information can also be given completely anonymously to independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.