A MAN who was stabbed near a parade of shops is now in a stable condition.

The victim who is in his 40's was rushed to hospital after being attacked outside Ladbrokes in Timberlog Lane just after 9.30pm on October 20.

He underwent surgery and was in a serious condition.

The incident has left the community shocked.

A shop worker, aged 30, who works at Stacey's Corner, said: "I think it is just so shocking.

"This is where I work and it's awful to have it happen near your work place.

"I just don't understand what is happening and why people feel the need to carry knives.

"This kind of incident makes me worry for the safety of my young children.

"I have known of issues with day drinks and the likes but nothing like this.

"I do feel a bit concern about coming to work if this sort of thing is happening so close by."

Just after the incident, Detective Sergeant Christopher Arnold said: “The victim had two stab wounds and he has been in surgery today.

“The motive is currently unclear and we are carrying out numerous enquiries.

“This happened on a busy road near a popular parade of shops and we think there may be others who saw what happened. It may also be possible that people have dash cam which captured the incident or the moments before or after.”

“We believe the victim was attacked by one person.”

Call Basildon CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.