A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a driver was brutally stabbed.

The suspect was still being questioned by detectives last night after a man aged in his 30s was stabbed in the chest in a late-night attack.

The attack happened in Eastleigh Road, Benfleet, at about 3.55am on Saturday, March 16, and the victim was left fighting for his life in the street.

The ambulance service arrived and medics rushed the man to Southend Hospital in a critical condition.

The paramedics also alerted Essex Police about the attack and officers attended the scene to investigate.

A large cordon was in place late into the afternoon at the scene in Benfleet while detectives conducted door-to-door enquiries.

Officers remained on scene guarding the cordon throughout Sunday morning and afternoon while forensic examination was carried out.

The victim has since been stabilised but is believed to still be in a critical condition.

Police have also collected CCTV footage from any cameras in the area.

A 43-year-old man from Southend has since been arrested in connection with the incident.

Police officers arrested the 43-year-old man at about 9.45pm on Sunday and he remains in police custody for questioning on suspicion of attempted murder.

He was also arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

Detectives are now urging any witnesses or people with information about the incident to come forward.

They would also like to hear from anyone with dash cam footage who may have been passing through the area at the time.

Anyone with information or dash cam footage is asked to call Essex Police’s Major Crime Team on 101 quoting crime reference 42/41391/19.

You can also share information with independent crimefighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Alternatively, share information online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information/online.