Two men who were stabbed in a seafront car park were victims of gang violence, police said today.
A 23-year-old man was stabbed in the stomach and a 24-year-old was stabbed in the shoulder during the vicious attack in the Sealife Adventure car park in Southend at around 2am on Sunday.
Police believe an argument started between the 23-year-old victim, who is from the Stanford-le-Hope area, and a gang of four men at the Dreams nightclub in Marine Parade where a DJ and MC night was taking place.
The disagreement spilled out in to the nearby car park and the man was stabbed.
The 24-year-old, also from Stanford-le-Hope, then came across the scene and tried to intervene, but was also stabbed by the gang.
Both were taken to Southend Hospital and the younger victim underwent emergency surgery yesterday and is now recovering in hospital and said to be in a stable condition.
The second victim was treated for a puncture wound and released yesterday.
Insp John Meggison said: "This is a very serious incident and it is vital we catch the people responsible."
Police are now studying hours of CCTV footage to see if the attack was captured on cameras.
Police are looking for four black men who may have been travelling in a Vauxhall or Mitsubishi 4x4 and a Renault Clio.
Anyone with information about the incident should contact Southend CID on 01702 431212 or to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Published Tuesday January 20, 2004
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