A man was left with serious hand injuries last night after a suspected stabbing in Stevenage.

The man, in his 20s, was rushed to Lister Hospital after being assaulted in the Bedwell area at about 7.45pm.

Stevenage Chief Insp Richard Harbon said: “I fully appreciate that this incident may cause some concern among residents in Stevenage and I would like to reassure the community that we are fully investigating the circumstances around what happened.”

Police and ambulance crews were called to a house in Bedwell, close to where they think the man was attacked. He was then rushed to hospital by ambulance where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries. He has since been released.

One woman who lives nearby said: “There was a lot of commotion about 8pm when the police and ambulances arrived. The police had sniffers dogs out and taped off part of the road and didn’t leave until about 9.30pm.

“There were flashing lights everywhere and no one really knew what was going on.

“Afterwards the police came round to everyone’s house in West Close and Linkways asking questions.”

The police believe the man was targeted but have very little information about who might have done it or why because the victim is not co-operating.

Chief Insp Harbon added: “Although the injured party has been reluctant to engage with police so far, I would like to stress that we believe this to be a targeted incident and detectives and neighbourhood team officers are working tirelessly to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.”

Anyone with information should call Herts police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.