Seven arrested after man left with stab wounds in Cradley Heath

Police were called to reports of the assault in Little Hill Crescent just after 6pm yesterday evening.

A man in his 20s was found with injuries to his head and chest and was taken to hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

Five offenders were seen to make off in a Vauxhall Corsa which was spotted a short time later on Colley Lane. A number of items were seen to be thrown from the vehicle as it sped off and these have been recovered by police for examination.

The Corsa came to a stop in Upper High Street, Cradley after colliding with a Vauxhall Astra and the men ran from the vehicle, but after a short footchase, all five, aged between 17 and 28, were located and arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Two other men, aged 36 and 23, were also arrested for affray at the scene of the assault.

Detectives have now launched an investigation and are appealing for any witnesses who have not already spoken to a police officer to contact them on 101.

The scene of the attack has been cordoned off while forensic experts take samples for analysis and officers are trawling CCTV of the area.

Inspector Jamie Hobday, from Dudley Police, said: "This was a very serious assault which has left a man in hospital with life changing injuries. We need to understand the motivation behind the attack in order to bring the offenders to justice.

"We treat offences of violence very seriously and rely on the public to help us to both solve and reduce these crimes.

"In this instance a swift response has meant we have seven in custody helping with our enquiries."

Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.