Police are investigating an attempted murder after a man was stabbed in Colchester and taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

A man aged in his 20s was stabbed following a reported argument in the street, leaving him with life-threatening injuries.

The "shocking" incident took place in West Street, Colchester at around 11.30pm on Sunday, September 8, with the suspect seen running off towards the Southway underpass.

The victim was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. He was later said to be in a stable but critical condition.

Michael Lilley, portfolio holder for communities, wellbeing and public safety at Colchester Borough Council, said: "Obviously it is a shocking incident - just as they all are.

"I urge anyone who recognises the perpetrator from their description to contact Essex Police immediately."

Mr Lilley added that while the circumstances surrounding the incident are not currently known, it will be discussed at council meetings in the following days.

The issue of knife crime in both Colchester and Essex as a whole has been brought to light in parliament by Colchester MP Will Quince, who has been arguing for longer prison sentences for those involved in knife crime.

Agreeing with the notion for tougher sentencing, Mr Lilley added: "When we look at the statistics for Colchester and compare it to other towns across Essex, we are fortunate to only have a few incidents over the last couple of years.

"The one thing the government should be doing is pushing for tougher sentences on people carrying knives - you either carry a knife to attack or defend yourself from being attacked and in reality most people end up being attacked themselves."

The suspect is described as black, aged in his 20s, around 5ft 10in tall and of medium build, wearing a black tracksuit.

The suspect was seen running off towards the Southway underpass.

Police are asking for anyone who was in the area at the time or witnessed the incident call the North Major Investigation Team on 101, quoting crime reference number 42/144257/19.

Alternatively, the force can also be contacted by email at scd.appeals.essex@essex.pnn.police.uk or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A knife amnesty bin supported by Essex charity Only Cowards Carry is available outside nearby Colchester Police station.