POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a violent assault and robbery in South Ockendon in which a man was stabbed.

A police statement issued today said: "It was reported a man in his 30s had been approached from behind in Darenth Lane shortly before 4.30pm yesterday (Tuesday, 17 May).

"The attacker struck him to the back of the head and tried to take his mobile phone. A struggle ensued, and the victim managed to get his phone back but had sustained stab wounds to his back and stomach.

"His injuries are not life-threatening or life-changing and he has since been discharged from hospital.

"His attacker is described as white, in his late teens or early 20s, and wearing a grey tracksuit with his face covered with a balaclava.

"Fortunately, incidents like this are rare and we don't believe this incident poses a risk to the wider public.

"There will be an additional police presence in the area today to provide additional visibility and reassurance

"We need anyone who saw anything or has any CCTV, dash cam, or doorbell footage to contact us.

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"If you have any information you can submit a report online via this link  https://www.essex.police.uk where you can use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am and 11pm. Quote the crime reference number 42/124472/22.

"You can also call Essex Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."