A MAN was allegedly stabbed in broad daylight after a fight broke out in the street.
The 25-year-old of Chelmsford was involved in a brawl with another man on Thursday afternoon, which forced the closure of New Writtle Street and sparked rush hour chaos on the roads.
It is thought they were drinking in a pub near Wolseley Road before a fight broke out in the street.
A few minutes later he collapsed near the junction at New London Road.
One witness, who lives in Wolsley Road but did not want to be named, said: "They weren't even fighting but they walked off down the road and the next minute they were attacking each other. I saw them run off down the road and that was it.
"Twenty minutes later or so and the police turned up and sealed off the road. It was only then we knew something was up."
Nick Keating, who runs Chelmer Cycles, also saw the incident.
He said: "Apparently someone said, 'look, he's stabbed me,' and then they walked up the road.
"He must have collapsed at the end of the street.
"I saw three of them and a pushchair – but I don't know how many were actually involved."
The victim was found at about 3.20pm near The MOT Test Centre and was taken to hospital with a wound to his abdomen.
Andy King, site manager of the McCarthy & Stone development in New Writtle Street, opposite where the man collapsed, said: "We didn't notice anything until we were stuck with police up one end of the road and police at the other end.
"The helicopter was buzzing around for the whole afternoon."
A police spokesman said that the victim was refusing to assist with inquiries.
They could not confirm whether or not the man had been stabbed because he refused to hand over his clothing or cooperate with them.
His condition is said to be serious but not life-threatening.
Police are reviewing CCTV and are appealing for anyone with any information to contact the CID office at Chelmsford police station on 101.
