AN ATTEMPTED murder investigation has been launched following a serious stabbing in Southend which left a woman fighting for her life.

The 19-year-old woman remains in hospital in a serious condition with potentially life-changing injuries after she was stabbed multiple times.

Police officers were called to St Marys Court on Victoria Avenue in Southend shortly before 4am on Monday following reports of a 19-year-old woman being seriously assaulted with emergency services in attendance.

Three men and one woman from Southend were arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent and have since been released on bail. 

Enquiries remain ongoing within Essex Police’s Serious Crime Directorate and detectives are continuing to appeal for the public’s support with the investigation. 

Deputy Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector James Holmes said “We are working quickly to establish the circumstances around this assault, where a young woman has been left with significant injuries.

“Our early enquiries indicate that two people, a white man and a black man left the scene shortly after the assault and we are looking for the public’s help to identify them."

The serious stabbing comes days after data was released by Essex Police under the Data Protection Act which revealed 247 knife-related offences at schools in Essex between 2018 and 2023, 120 of which involving child victims. 

Essex Police ask anyone who was driving or in the vicinity of Victoria Avenue in Southend at around 3:30am on April 29 April to contact them with any dashcam footage, CCTV footage or any information. 

A Major Incident Public Portal – which can be accessed here mipp.police.uk/operation/4201020124Q94-PO2 -has been created as a way for the public to submit information.

You can let also let Essex Police know by submitting a report on their website https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101 or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.

Please quote reference number 94 of 29 April.