A MAN is in a critical condition after being stabbed during a robbery in Kempsey.

A 46-year-old man was stabbed on Thursday near the McColl's shop at the corner of Main Road and Church Street, after thieves tried to rob him.

Four people have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Residents were left shocked by the stabbing, which happened at around 5pm. One family with two young children said it wasn’t something they expected to happen in “a quiet place like Kempsey”

Police are looking for any witnesses that may help them with their investigations.

Detectives believe there are a number of witnesses to the incident and are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen what happened and the events leading up to the attack. They are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who may have captured footage or images on their mobile phone, or may have CCTV.

A spokesman for West Mercia Police said: “We are appealing for help from the public after an attempted robbery of a 46-year-old man, now in critical condition in hospital.

“Officers went to the scene of the incident at around 5.10pm on Thursday July 16. One man was injured with lacerations to his torso.

“A 17-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and GBH. A 29-year-old woman, a 34-year-old man and an 18-year-old woman have all been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and are in police custody.”

Detective Sergeant Daniel Fenn added: “Unfortunately, a man in his 40s has significant injuries after being stabbed on Main Road in Kempsey. We are appealing for any information in particular any CCTV, mobile phone videos, vehicle dash cam or photos of the incident that may help us with our investigation.

“I would also like to reassure the community that we will have our Safer Neighbourhood Team in the area throughout the day and would encourage anyone with any concerns or information to speak to them.”

On Thursday evening county councillor David Harrison told the Worcester News he had been informed by Kempsey residents of the stabbing, and described the scene as "utter chaos”.

Cllr Harrison said officers, armed police, police dogs and an ambulance were at the scene and “nobody could get anywhere near” the street.

Anybody with information, call 101.