Group of men in balaclavas involved in stabbing

A police cordon was put in place near Addison Howard Park in Kempston

Police are seeking information after a group of men wearing balaclavas were involved in a stabbing.

A man was taken to hospital and remains in a serious, but stable, condition after he was stabbed in Kempston near Bedford at about 17:00 GMT on Saturday.

Bedfordshire Police had been called to reports of an altercation involving about eight men wearing balaclavas.

One suspect, reported to be wielding a knife, was believed to be white, 6ft tall and wearing a grey tracksuit.

Police put up a cordon along Bedford Road, between Addison Howard Park and a railway bridge, but it was removed after officers completed inquiries.

Det Sgt Mark Stewart described the incident as a "shocking example of brazen violence".

He said: “We believe that this was a targeted attack but that this was witnessed by many and has understandably caused concern in the local community.

“I would reassure the public that we are doing all we can to investigate the circumstances which led to a man being seriously harmed."

He urged witnesses or those with information to contact the police.