A MAN was left needing stitches for a knife wound after being attacked by two moped riders.

The late-night assault happened on the junction of Lesney Gardens and Leecon Way in Rochford.

The 46-year-old man was approached by two men armed with a knife, who assaulted him before escaping on mopeds.

The police helicopter was sent out to look for the pair, but they could not be found.

Officers also cordoned off the area for several hours following the attack, which took place at about 11.30pm on Tuesday.

Lesley Butcher, vice chairman of Rochford Council, said the terrifying incident was unusual for the area.

She said: “It’s horrible, horrendous. It’s very sad if somebody has been hurt.

“Rochford is a safe place to live but like everywhere you get your share of naughtiness I suppose.

“We don’t want something like that happening in Rochford, using knives is not the way to go.”

Mrs Butcher said residents have complained about young moped riders in recent weeks, although it is not known where the two who carried out the attack are from.

She said: “I think to an extent it is an issue. There seems to be a few who are riding dangerously.

“I think they are likely to hurt themselves or somebody else. I don’t want them to hurt themselves because they are only young.

“It isn’t just the risk of killing themselves it’s the risk of not being able to do anything for themselves for the rest of their lives.

“Sometimes I think these youngsters don’t understand the consequences of their actions.”

An Essex Police spokesman said the man was wounded in the hand.

He said: “Police are investigating after a man was assaulted at the junction of Lesney Gardens and Leecon Way in Rochford, at 11.30pm on July 5.

“The 46-year-old man was assaulted by two men, one armed with a knife.

“The victim suffered a minor cut to his hand, which required stitches.

“The suspects left on black mopeds, which rode off towards Ashingdon Road.

“Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to call police on 101.”

An ambulance service spokesman said: “An ambulance and a rapid response vehicle attended and treated a man with an arm injury.

“He was taken to hospital for further care. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.”