A man was stabbed and another had hot water poured over him during two targeted attacks in Colchester.

Police have arrested a teenager in connection with the incidents, which took place in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Officers were first called to St John’s Walk at around 2.20am after a man was stabbed in the back by another man who quickly fled the scene.

The victim was taken to hospital, but he is understood to be in a stable condition.

Officers were then called to reports of a second incident in Sussex Road at 3am - just 40 minutes after the stabbing.

Paramedics had requested the help of police after a man had an unknown liquid thrown at his chest and neck.

It is now believed that the substance was hot water. The victim was also taken to hospital but his injuries are unknown.

Essex Police has confirmed a 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent following the two attacks.

He remains in custody for questioning.

Officers say they are treating the two incidents as connected and there is no wider risk to the public.

Brian Jarvis, councillor for Lexden and Braiswick ward, is urging residents to contact the police if they see suspicious activity.

He said: “I feel really sorry for the victims - it’s a terrible thing that has happened.

“It is worrying that we are seeing more and more of these kind of attacks on our streets at the moment.

“There is mostly people of a certain age living along Sussex Road and I haven’t heard of anything like this happening down there before.

“My message to residents would be to be observant as well as careful and if you see anything unusual then report it to the police.

“I know people say they do and nothing happens but the more things that are reported, the more people are getting involved with helping to secure their neighbourhoods.”

Call Colchester CID on 101 quoting incident 181 or 215 of 19/08.