A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of conspiring to commit murder after a man was stabbed in the chest and stomach.

The Chelmsford teenager was arrested in Brentwood today and has been taken to Chelmsford Police station for questioning.

Police were called to Ravensbourne Drive, Chelmsford, shortly after 7pm on Tuesday, June 16, following reports that a man had been injured during an altercation in the street.

A man in his 20s and from Chelmsford was found to have stab injuries to his chest and stomach.

He was taken to the Royal London Hospital where his condition today was said to be serious.

Detectives have been told that the incident happened at the corner of Ravensbourne Drive and Forrest Drive when the victim was assaulted by three black men.

They ran off to a waiting silver-coloured car, driven by a white man.

An extensive search was carried out by the police helicopter and ground units but there was no trace of the four men or the car, believed to be a Vauxhall Astra or Corsa.

The incident happened the night before a knife amnesty launch in Chelmsford yesterday.

Any witnesses who have not yet spoken to police, or anyone with any information about events leading to the stabbing, should contact officers at Chelmsford CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.