POLICE have arrested an 18-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder after a stabbing near Magdalen Street, Colchester.

Police were called to the incident on Friday, March 31 at about 11pm, and police arrived to find a man had been stabbed in the stomach.

The victim was then taken to hospital in a serious condition.

George Williams Way and part of Magdalen Street was immediately cordoned off by the authorities, with four police cars in attendance.


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The cordon was scaled down in the early hours of Saturday morning, though nearby George Williams Way remained closed to members of the public.

Police have now released an official statement which said an 18-year-old from Panfield, near Braintree, has been arrested.

The man, who remains in custody, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, possession of an offensive weapon, and criminal damage.

Police added in their statement they believe the attack was targeted.

Additional high visibility patrols have been deployed for reassurance.

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A full statement from an Essex Police spokesman read: “A man has been arrested in connection with an assault in Colchester last night (Friday 31 March).

“We were called to reports of a disturbance in Magdalen Street shortly after 11pm and when officers attended they found a man with a stab wound to his stomach.

“He was taken to hospital where he was in a serious condition.”

Echo: Major – the police have arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murderMajor – the police have arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

It continued: “An 18 year-old man from Panfield has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, possession of an offensive weapon, and criminal damage.

“He is currently in custody.”

An appeal has also been released for any further information from members of the public.

Anybody who has CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident has been asked to contact Essex Police by dialling 101, and quote crime reference number 42/58114/23.