A man in his 60s is fighting for his life after being stabbed in an unprovoked attack near a golf course in Stafford. The incident occurred on Thursday evening, prompting a police manhunt for the assailant.
Attack Details
Emergency services were called to Newport Road, near Stafford Castle and Castle Golf and Leisure, at approximately 7pm. The victim was found slumped on a bench with stab wounds, discovered by a member of the public who alerted authorities. He was rushed to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition as of Friday.
Police Statement
A Staffordshire Police spokesperson said: 'We were called at 7pm on Thursday 14 May to Newport Road, close to the golf club, following reports of violence. The victim, a man in his 60s, had been walking in the Castlefields area from Redgrave Drive towards Stafford Castle, when he was approached from behind by an unknown man and assaulted.' Officers attended alongside colleagues from West Midlands Ambulance Service, the Midlands Air Ambulance, and the National Police Air Service. The victim was taken to hospital by land ambulance and remains in a critical condition.
Suspect Description
The suspect is described as being in his mid to late 20s, of average build, and wearing dark clothing. A large police presence remains at the scene, with a cordon in place around the putting green at the golf course.
Community Reaction
Adrian Morris, a local resident, said: 'It's shocking. It's really not this type of area. We have a few kids on bikes and stuff, but nothing anti-social. Where it happened, it's a popular walkthrough up to the castle, and lots of people go up there. It gives you a lovely view of the golf course, it's really nice. I haven't heard of anything bad happening there. Me and the wife walk that route all the time.'
Janet Williams, another local, added: 'It's unbelievable. This is a really quiet and close neighbourhood. We will all be shocked for some time, it's just tragic really.'
Golf Club Response
A spokesperson from Castle Golf and Leisure said everyone is coping well but are 'obviously shocked at the incident.' The course will remain closed for as long as police need to investigate.
Ambulance Service
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: 'We were called to reports of a stabbing on Newport Road. One ambulance, a paramedic officer, a MERIT trauma doctor with a critical care paramedic and the Midlands Air Ambulance Critical Care Car attended the scene. On arrival we discovered one patient, a man. He was treated for serious injuries before being taken to hospital for further treatment.'
Appeal for Information
Anyone with CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell footage is urged to contact police on 101 or use Live Chat on the force's website, quoting incident number 641 of 14 May. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
