A MAN remains in a critical condition in hospital after he was stabbed “in front of schoolchildren” in Tiptree.

Police officers were called to Maypole Road in Tiptree at about 3.20pm on Tuesday to reports of a man in his fifties being stabbed.

He was rushed to hospital by paramedics having suffered stab wounds and remains there being treated.

A 54-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the stabbing and remains in police custody as officers continue their inquiries.

Gazette: Investigation - forensic officers examine a bus stop in Maypole RoadInvestigation - forensic officers examine a bus stop in Maypole Road (Image: Newsquest)

It is understood the incident took place in front of youngsters from Thurstable School.

Det Insp Alison Hooper, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our officers are working hard to establish the circumstances of this incident.

“Keeping the public safe is our top priority. Our response to this incident means we have been able to quickly arrest a suspect.

“Members of the public may have important information about this incident that assists us with our inquiry and I would urge anyone to come forward to help.”

Gazette: Cordon - part of the village green was cordoned off by police officers in Maypole RoadCordon - part of the village green was cordoned off by police officers in Maypole Road (Image: Newsquest)

Forensic officers were seen examining a bus stop in Maypole Road, next to the village green, and items of clothing were seen left in the road.

A road closure was put in place between the mini roundabout at The Original Factory Shop and the Shell garage while officers probed the scene.

Constables reassured residents who had gathered near the cordon which shut off a large section of the village green.

Tiptree councillor Paul Dundas said he will be supporting the police's inquiries in any way he can.

Gazette: Emergency - a police car and forensic van at the sceneEmergency - a police car and forensic van at the scene (Image: Newsquest)

“Myself and my colleagues Roger Mannion and Rhys Smithson are deeply shocked by this,” he said.

"It is important the police are allowed to investigate without unnecessary speculation, but it does seem this may have been a contained rather than random incident.

"We do believe that Tiptree remains a fundamentally very safe place and this was an isolated and rare event. Our thoughts are with those injured."