A MAN was stabbed and another beaten up in a late night attack outside a takeaway.
The ordeal took place close to the Ziba takeaway on Plungington Road, Preston, at 11pm on Friday when two men walking home were confronted and then surrounded by a group of between seven to 10 youths.
An altercation took place during which a 45-year-old male was stabbed in the chest and his 35-year-old friend was beaten and knocked to the floor suffering facial injuries.
Police in Preston are today appealing for witnesses and information in relation to the attack.
Det Insp Paddy O’Neill from Preston CID said: “Our two victims have been set upon by this group in what is a motiveless prolonged attack that spread from close to the Spar, up towards Ziba and into the car park at the back towards Havelock Street and Brook Street.
“Members of the public have intervened and broken up the melee and to those we are grateful.
“However, our enquiries show that there were a number of witnesses present during the incident that we need to contact us.”
The 45-year-old victim was detained in hospital overnight and was stabilised before being discharged.
Seven youths ageing between 13 and 18 were arrested on the night and have since been released on bail.
A further male was arrested in the early hours of Sunday morning and is being questioned at Preston Police Station.
Det Insp O’Neill added: “Our victim has suffered a significant injury and it is only through good fortune and the intervention of the public that we aren’t investigating a much more serious offence.
“Despite a number of arrests being made so far, we still need witnesses to come forward to help us identify and prosecute offenders.”
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