AN attack victim was rushed to hospital after suffering stab wounds during an incident in Eastwood.

Police responded to reports a man in his 20s had been found with stab wounds in Rayleigh Road on Saturday afternoon.

The victim was allegedly chased down the street before being stabbed.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “It was reported the victim had been seen to be chased by a group of four men who had got out of two vehicles, one of which is described as a red four-by-four.”

The man is now in hospital for treatment, though his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

A 22-year-old man from Great Wakering was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

A 16 year-old boy from Southend was arrested on suspicion of GBH without intent yesterday afternoon.

Both were being questioned in custody by police at the weekend.

Leigh ward councillor Richard Longstaff said: “It’s been shocking to learn of the vicious knife attack in Eastwood this weekend.

“We don’t know the details yet, other than this seem to be a targeted attack by a group of men in cars, targeting individuals on foot.

“My first thoughts are with the victim, for the trauma they have suffered and their family trying to comprehend how this has happened.

“Our town has had its fair share of violence recently. We have public space protection orders (PSPO) in place, both in Southend and Leigh.

“We have regular police meetings, so this is a big concern to everybody, including our police service, councillors, residents and especially parents.

“Despite the shocking brutality of this attack, we know that Southend is generally a safe place, and these types of events are rare.

“Much is being done to address antisocial behaviour in and around the High Street and with the PSPO areas.

“Our police and special constables are committed to keeping Southend safe.”

Eastwood Park councillor Rob McMullan added: “Today’s stabbing and violence on Rayleigh Road is deeply worrying.

“I’m far from happy with the usual police line of ‘targeted attack... isolated incident... no threat to the public, blah blah’, as this happened on a sunny Saturday afternoon very close to the park entrance on a main road, when children and families could have been passing by.”