Pub staff and customers rushed to the aid of a stabbing victim after he was attacked outside the popular venue in Old Leigh.

The man was stabbed in the neck and back outside Ye Olde Smack in Old Leigh High Street on Saturday night.

Detectives have launched a manhunt to track down the armed attacked who stabbed the pub-goer multiple times.

Witnesses reported dozens of police officers outside the Ye Old Smack on Saturday night and a cordon was temporarily put in place.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We received reports of a stabbing in High Street, Old Leigh, at around 10.50pm on Saturday.

“We received information that a man was stabbed in the back and neck following an altercation outside a pub with another man.

“The man was taken to hospital for injuries, which are not life-threatening.

“The other man ran from the scene and remains outstanding.

“He has been described as being white and wore a black jacket and a cap.”

The pub was forced to close early after the victim entered the premises to seek help.
Customers and staff helped stem bleeding from the victim’s injuries until medics arrived and he was taken to hospital.

A spokesperson for Ye Olde Smack, which is run by Greene King, said: “On Saturday night our team and customers assisted a gentleman who entered the pub looking for help after an incident in the street outside.

“An ambulance was called and we closed the pub early to allow police to carry out their investigations.

“Our thoughts are with the injured man and we hope he makes a quick recovery.”

Police collected CCTV evidence from the pub which opened as normal the following day.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have information that could help the investigation is asked to call Southend CID on 101 quoting crime reference number 42/6783/19.

Alternatively, you can contact independent crimefighting charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111.

You can also share information online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online