TWO men were taken to hospital with stab wounds and facial injuries after three attackers burst into a flat in Essex.

Simon Tomlinson

TWO men were taken to hospital with stab wounds and facial injuries after three attackers burst into a flat in Essex.

Five adults and a seven-month-old baby boy were in a flat in Seaview Avenue, Little Oakley, near Tendring, when there was a knock at the door.

A 21-year-old man who answered the door was assaulted and sustained facial injuries as three men burst into the flat. A 22-year-old man was then stabbed in the back by one of the men, just missing vital organs.

The two injured men were taken to Colchester hospital for treatment.

Detectives are now appealing for information following the apparently motiveless stabbing that took place about 7.25pm on Thursday.

The men responsible for the attack are all aged in their late teens to early 20s. One was black, 5ft 9ins, of stocky build and wore dark, casual clothing.

The other two were white, about 6ft to 6ft 2ins, of skinny build, and also wore casual clothing. It is thought they had a vehicle nearby.

Dc Tim Coyles said: “The victims of this attack can think of no reason why they were targeted. Fortunately the stab wound missed any vital arteries or organs, otherwise we could have been investigating a far more serious crime.”

Anyone with any information about the attack is asked to call police at Clacton on 0300 333 4444 or they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.