Two teenagers wanted in connection with the attempted murder of a 17-year-old in Colchester are still at large following a “targeted” attack.

Police are continuing to appeal for Ben Goodspeed, 18, and Tate Heeney, 17, to give themselves up after a 17-year-old boy from the town was stabbed in Osborne Street around 12.30am on Saturday, January 20.

The victim, who was stabbed in the chest and arm and also assaulted, remains in hospital in a stable condition.

Two male teenagers, aged 17 and 18, from Colchester, were arrested on Monday on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the investigation.

The 18-year-old has been released on conditional bail until February 16 pending further enquiries, while the 17-year-old remains in police custody for questioning.

Officers are keen to speak to Mr Goodspeed and Mr Heeney, who both have links to the Colchester area, as part of the investigation.

Detective Inspector Jim White said: “We believe this was a targeted incident and remain open minded about the motive for the attack, which we are treating as attempted murder.

“We need to speak to Ben Goodspeed and Tate Heeney and strongly urge them to contact police and give themselves up.

“Anyone with information on their whereabouts should call 999.”

Officers also continue to appeal for any witnesses to the attack to call Colchester CID on 101, quoting reference 42/9233/18.

Alternatively, contact independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org