A STAB victim is recovering in hospital after being attacked near a church overnight.

Essex Police have launched a manhunt to find the knife-man responsible for the attack in Outwood Common Road at around 8.30pm yesterday.

A spokesman for the police said: "We were called around 8.30pm with reports that a man had been injured after he was stabbed on Outwood Common Road, near to St. John's Church.

"The suspect was described as a black man, who was around 6ft tall and was wearing a black tracksuit.

"The victim, who is aged in his 20s, is being treated for injuries which were considered serious, but thankfully not life-changing.

"Whilst we're keeping an open mind as to the motive of this assault, detectives think that it's unlikely it was random.

"Nevertheless, we will have officers patrolling in the area, so if you have any concerns or information, please come and speak with us.

"We'd like to hear from anyone who was in the area around the time and witnessed any suspicious behaviour or a man matching this description.

"We're also keen to speak to those who live in the area and have doorbell, CCTV or dash cam footage."

Report crime by calling 101 or visiting www.essex.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/ quoting reference number 42/147423/20.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.