Detectives are appealing for information after a man was stabbed in Purfleet.

Police were called around 8pm on Saturday, January 5 with reports that a man had been stabbed whilst on Oakhill Road.

Five men got out of a silver Volkswagen Polo, ran towards the victim, a man in his 20s, and stabbed him four times, before stealing his mobile phone.

The victim was taken to hospital and treated for serious but non-life-changing injuries.

One of the men was described by the victim as in his late teens, around 5ft 10ins tall with tanned skin.

He was of a skinny build, with light brown hair and had what was described as a squeaky voice. He was wearing a black tracksuit.

A second man was described by the victim as being black, in his early 20s, of a skinny build and around 5ft 10ins tall.

He was clean shaven, had short black hair in an afro style and was wearing a grey hooded top with black tracksuit bottoms.

The third man was described by the victim as being black, around 21 years old and of a skinny build. He had black hair in an afro style and light patchy stubble. He was wearing a black tracksuit.

A fourth man was described as being black and of a similar height and build to the other men.

The fifth man is described by the victim as being black.

An 18 year-old man from South Ockendon was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and later released under investigation.

Officers believe this was a targeted attack and do not believe there is a wider risk to the public. 

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact Grays CID on 101, quoting reference 42/3019/19.

Information can also be given completely anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/