Police are today appealing for information after a man was stabbed in Stevenage during the early hours of yesterday morning in what is being described as a “random attack”.

A 42-year-old man sustained a stab wound in the back of the thigh, from what was believed to be a machete, while walking home from a friend’s house at 3.30am.

The incident happened in an underpass in Fairlands Way – close to the swimming pool – when the offender walked past the victim, attacking him from behind before fleeing the scene.

The victim was taken to Stevenage’s Lister Hospital for treatement, where he currently remains.

Police said the offender is described as a white man with short blond or light brown hair, around 5ft8in tall and wearing a grey top and black trousers.

Det Sgt Fay Tooley, who is investigating, said: “This appears to have been a completely unprovoked attack by a stranger, with no obvious motive.

“Nothing was said by the offender and he did not take anything from the victim.

“There were no other people in the vicinity, however if you did witness anyone behaving suspiciously in the area at that time, please contact us.

“We would also like to hear from you if you witnessed or are aware of anyone behaving strangely or out of character that night.”

Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact DS Fay Tooley quoting crime reference number E1/18/3260 on 101 or online at www.herts.police.uk/report.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.