TWO men have been arrested after a teenager was stabbed in the chest in Southend.

Officers were called at 2.15pm yesterday to reports a 19-year-old man from London had been found in Napier Avenue with a stab wound to his chest.

He was taken to hospital and is in a critical condition.

Officers carried out a search of the area, assisted by the force helicopter, and arrested two men in Sutton Road.

They are a 25-year-old from Hastings, who was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm (GBH), and a 21-year-old from London, who was arrested on suspicion of GBH, possession of an offensive weapon, and possession of class A drugs.

They are currently in custody awaiting questioning.

Enquiries are ongoing to locate a third man, who is described as having an olive skinned complexion, 5ft 10ins tall, with closely cropped hair. He wore a black puffa jacket, black hooded top, blue jeans and black trainers.

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to call Rayleigh CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555111 or crimestoppers-uk.org