IPSWICH: Detectives are today hunting a man who stabbed a 23-year-old in the neck in a town centre attack, leaving the victim needing emergency surgery.

At one stage, it was feared the injured man’s condition was life-threatening as blood poured from the wound. However, the victim is now recuperating at his Ipswich home after having 18 stitches inserted into his neck.

Suffolk police said they were called to Princes Street, outside Riley’s snooker hall. A spokesman said when officers arrived they found the 23-year-old had sustained a serious wound.

At the time, it was reported he was losing a large amount of blood and had to be operated on at Ipswich Hospital.

The incident is said to have begun when the man was outside Riley’s with some friends in the early hours of the morning. Another man walked past the snooker hall’s beer garden and an altercation took place.

The 23-year-old and the other man disappeared from view into Civic Drive for a short time.

When the 23-year-old returned, he was bleeding profusely from a neck wound. Police have said they believe the injury was caused by a knife or a similar sharp-bladed object.

An ambulance crew reported the victim to be walking and talking when they arrived.

Detectives have issued a description of the person who they believe stabbed him. He is said to be black, in his 20s, of average build and with short black hair. He was wearing a grey top and was clean-shaven.

After the incident, he was seen to walk off towards Grafton Way.

The fight took place just before 2am last Saturday. The victim was released from hospital on Monday.

Anyone who has information should call Dc Andy Dibbs on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.