The victim of a vicious knife attack in Colchester is recovering after being stabbed three times.

The 45-year-old man was walking in the Hythe area of the town when four men got out of a car, knocked him to the ground and knifed him in the ribs, neck and elbow.

Detectives hunting the attackers have appealed for witnesses to come forward and especially want to speak to a driver who stopped to help the man.

The stabbing happened at the Haven Road end of Distillery Lane at about 10pm on Sunday night.

The bloody and confused victim staggered home and police were called. He was taken to hospital for treatment before being released yesterday

Det Con Henry McQuillian, of Colchester CID, said it was important to catch the men as quickly as possible, adding that the stabbing seemed to have been unprovoked.

He said it is thought the men were all white and were in a blue saloon car, which may have been a Ford Granada with one smashed window.

Det Con McQuillian said: "The man was pretty shocked by the whole incident which seems like an unprovoked attack."

Anyone with information should call Colchester police on 01206 762212, extension 10440, or Crimestoppers, anonymously,on 0800 555111

Published Tuesday, July 1, 2003

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