A MAN has been seriously injured in a suspected stabbing.

The man, in his 20s, was violently assaulted in Brighton in the early hours this morning.

He is in a critical condition and being treated for chest wounds at the Royal Sussex County Hospital.

He was found in East Street, close to the junction with North Street, at 2.30am this morning.

The Argus:

Photographs taken this morning show the area was cordoned off and being watched over by police officers.

What appears to be a forensics specialist wearing a white protective suit was at the scene.

Police have also sealed off an area in the Royal Pavilion Gardens.

The Argus: Police have sealed off an area of the Royal Pavilion Gardens after a suspected stabbing in East Street, BrightonPolice have sealed off an area of the Royal Pavilion Gardens after a suspected stabbing in East Street, Brighton

Sussex Police said the incident is being investigated as a “suspected stabbing” and the force are appealing for witnesses.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Wolstenholme, from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said: “We are treating this as an isolated incident and there is nothing at this stage to suggest there is a threat to the wider community.

The Argus: Man in critical condition after suspected stabbing in East Street, BrightonMan in critical condition after suspected stabbing in East Street, Brighton

“There will be an increased police presence in the area this morning, and our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and trace those responsible.

The Argus: Man in critical condition after "stabbing" in East StreetMan in critical condition after "stabbing" in East Street

“A section of North Street will be closed for some time to enable us to carry out further examinations, and I’d like to thank the public for their patience and understanding at this time.

“We’re urging anyone with any information – specifically if you saw or heard anything in the vicinity of Royal Pavilion Gardens in the early hours of this morning – to come forward.”

The Argus:

Anyone with any information can report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Martello.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The Argus: