POLICE are hoping to speak to witnesses after a man was stabbed near a pub in Stourport-upon-Severn.

The 53-year-old-victim was left with a cut to his hand and a stab wound to his shoulder during the attack.

He was attacked as he left the Bird in Hand between 3pm and 3.25pm on Sunday (April 24).

The victim turned right along the canal and then after about 100 yards he turned right again along a pathway.

As the victim continued further along he was approached by two men as he came to a tunnel.

One of the men was reported to have been holding a bladed weapon and has demanded that the victim hand over his money.

During the attack, the victim has put his hand in the way to defend himself and has been cut on the hand.

The offender has then assaulted the man again, causing injury to the victim's shoulder.

The men then ran off but it is not known in what direction.

The victim was discovered by a passerby after he walked further along the track and an ambulance was called.

He was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham for further treatment. His injuries are serious but are not thought to be life threatening.

One of the attackers is described as a white man between 15 and 25 years old and was believed to be wearing a grey hooded top.

There is no description of the other man at this stage.

A spokesman for the police said they wanted to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident and asked them to call the non-emergency police number on 101 quoting incident number 462s of Sunday 24 April.

Alternatively, people can give information to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form.