THE 49-YEAR-old man stabbed in Erith yesterday (October 23) is a volunteer at a care home in Avenue Road.

According to the Avante Partnership, which runs the Homeleigh Residential Care Home, the man is one of their volunteers Mark Denny.

A spokeswoman said: “The Avante Partnership was shocked and upset to hear Mark Denny, a volunteer at our Homeleigh Residential Care Home, was the victim of an unprovoked attack in the vicinity of the care home on the afternoon of the October 23 that resulted in him being taken to hospital.

“We understand Mark, whilst remaining in intensive care, is out of immediate danger and our best wishes and hopes for a full and speedy recovery have been conveyed to him and his family.”

She added: “We remain in constant contact with Mark’s family and we will provide whatever support and advice they need in the coming weeks.

“The staff and residents look forward to welcoming Mark back to Homeleigh as soon as he’s able to return.”

Emergency services were called to Avenue Road at 1:11pm where they found a man with what appeared to be knife wounds.

Police say he remains in a south London hospital in a stable condition.

A 28-year-old man arrested on suspicion of assault remains in custody as enquiries continue.

Eye-witnesses told News Shopper how they saw a man stab a dog in a flat in Coronation Court before he walked to Avenue Road and stabbed the 49-year-old.

Bexley CID Detective Chief Inspector Gary Holmes said: “I would like to reassure the public there is no further risk as a suspect has been detained.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 020 8284 9171 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

People's Dispensary for Sick Animals in Eynsham Drive, Thamesmead, has said the dog survived the attack and is stable.