A WOMAN was stabbed by a masked man during a terrifying robbery in Basildon Hospital’s car park – “sending shockwaves across the hospital”.

A man wearing a black balaclava, gloves, and dark clothing targeted the woman at roughly 6.40am yesterday.

No arrests have been made by Essex Police at this stage and a manhunt has been launched to find the man who fled the scene on foot.

According to reports, the victim was stabbed as she got out of her vehicle.

She was taken to hospital for further treatment.

Unison Eastern regional organiser Sam Older called for security arrangements at the hospital to be reviewed.

In a statement, he said: “This incident will send shockwaves across the hospital and everyone will be hoping the victim of this attack makes a full recovery.

“Many hospital workers start or end their shifts in the early hours of the morning — they will now worry about what dangers they face around the site.

“It’s up to the trust to make sure staff, patients and visitors are safe at Basildon Hospital.

“Senior managers need to review security arrangements across the estate, including making sure there are enough security staff around and they have the necessary protective gear to do their jobs.”

Police believe several people were in the area at the time of the incident and want to speak to anyone that saw the assault or the suspect.

The victim also sounded the horn of her car repeatedly at the time of the attack.

Matthew Hopkins, chief executive of the Mid and South Essex NHS Trust, said: “We are aware of a serious assault in the car park at Basildon Hospital.

“Police are investigating the incident and security has been stepped up.

“The safety of staff and patients using our car parks is very important to us, and we will be reviewing what else we can do to keep everyone as safe as possible.”