A MAN is recovering after being stabbed at a popular leisure park.

The victim, a man in his 20s, suffered a facial injury and a stab wound to the back near to the Bella Italia restaurant at Festival Leisure Park, Basildon just before 4.45am yesterday morning.

Officers say he remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Three people have been arrested after the incident, a 22-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and assaulting an emergency worker and two men, both aged 25, have been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.

The 22-year-old woman has been released under investigation, but the two men were still in custody when the Echo went to print.

Community leaders have expressed concern and sadness at the incident.

Adele Brown, deputy leader of the Labour Group and ward councillor for Fryerns, said: “Obviously at this time we must be thinking of the victim, his family and those involved.

“It must be a very difficult time for them, and my best wishes to go out to the victim and his family.

“I hope he has a quick recovery and I am sure always our emergency services did, and will continue to do a great job.

“I think this is shocking but no longer surprising to hear.

“This is not the time that would attract families to the leisure park but I can understand how it is going to cause concern with families and the whole community, that someone can be hurt like this in our borough.

“We are lucky to have great hospitals in our area and I am sure he is getting great care.”

Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen the assault to come forward and speak to them.

Anyone with any information should call Southend CID on 101 quoting incident 207 of Saturday 14 March or call Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Leisure park bosses declined chance to comment due to the police investigation.