RESIDENTS in East Tilbury have spoken of concerns over a rising number of violent incidents in the area following news of a latest stabbing.

It happened on Wednesday evening on Thomas Bata Avenue where police and ambulance servces were called following reports a 17-year-old boy had been injured.

He was taken to hospital and his condition was later confirmed to be non-life-threatening. Police have started an investigation looking into the circumstances.

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: "We were called to Thomas Bata Avenue shortly before 8:30pm following reports of a serious assault. A 17-year-old boy was taken to hospital with a stab wound.

"His injury is not life-threatening. Enquiries are ongoing and no arrests have been made at this stage."

It is the latest in a number of incidents where youths or gangs of youths have clashed.

In December Thurrock Nub News reported on another stabbing, in nearby Gobions Park.

A number of previous incidents, some believed to have happed involving youths who travelled to the area by train, have also been reported.

The latest incident has sparked local comment and concern and a resident from East Tilbury told Nub News: "There is speculation this latest attack was in response to a previous incident. The village looks as if it's become a place where young people want to sort out their issues and the number of incidents isn't really proportionate to our size.

"We have asked that more police visit the area more regularly and that the rail station in particular is more heavily monitored but not a lot seems to be happening. It's worrying."