DETECTIVES in Chelmsford are investigating the stabbing of a 22-year-old man during the early hours of this morning.

Police would like to hear from anyone who was in the smoking area of The Purple Lounge in the town’s Springfield Road around 1am, who may have witnessed the incident.

The victim, from Chelmsford, was out celebrating a friend’s birthday and was outside the club when he was approached from behind and wounded in the back. He did not see the suspect.

He was taken to hospital with a single deep wound to his lower back and is currently in a stable condition.

Chief Inspector Richard Phillibrown said: “Chelmsford is a place many people choose to spend their evenings and it provides many varied forms of entertainment.

“This was an unusual and cowardly attack which occurred in the smoking area of the Purple Lounge where many people were socialising.

“I am sure that someone either knows the person responsible or saw what happened. I urge them to come forward and give information to the police to assist our investigation.”

Calls can be made to detectives at Chelmsford on 101 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.