Police are to step up patrols in Southend today after a stabbing in the town centre.
A 19-year-old, from New Cross Gate in south London, was taken to hospital by ambulance after an incident in Warrior Square at around 11.30am yesterday. He is currently in a stable condition but police say he is unwilling to tell them what happened.
The area was cordoned off for around two hours while a forensic examination was completed.
An 18-year-old from Borough, south London was arrested on suspicion of assault and released on bail until July 20 pending further enquiries.
Neighbourhood Policing Supt Nick Morris said: "This appears to be an isolated stabbing involving a group of people from London who have travelled to Southend.
"Monday's increased police presence underlines our determination to crack down on violent crime in the town.
"Our aim is both to deter anyone thinking of carrying a weapon to commit an act of violence and to arrest them if they are foolish enough to do so."
Anyone with information in connection with the stabbing in Warrior Square is urged to contact 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
