A MAN was seriously injured when he was slashed in a vicious knife attack and mugging in broad daylight in Stourport.

The 53-year-old was set upon by two men after leaving the Bird in Hand public house between 3pm and 3.25pm on Sunday, April 24.

One of the men was carrying a knife and demanded money from the terrified victim before the attack started.

The victim suffered cuts to his hand and an injury to his shoulder as he tried to defend himself during the attack.

Both the attackers fled the scene and the victim staggered a short distance before he was discovered by a passer-by who raised the alarm.

He was rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham and his injuries are described as serious, although they are not life threatening.

The scene of the attack was cordoned off for hours following the incident while police searched the area for the offenders.

One of the offenders is described as a white man between 15 and 25 years-of age and at the time of the incident he was believed to be wearing a grey hooded top. Police said there is no description of the other man at this stage.

A spokesman for West Mercia Police said: “The incident occurred between 3pm and 3.25pm on Sunday 24 April after the victim left the Bird in Hand public house.

“As he left the pub, the victim has turned right along the canal and then after approximately 100 yards he turned right again along a pathway.

“As the victim continued further along as he approached a tunnel the victim has been approached by two males.

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

“The offender has then proceeded to attack the victim. The victim has put his hand in the way to defend himself and has sustained a cut to his hand. The offender has then assaulted the victim again, causing injury to the victim's shoulder.

“The offenders have then run off in an unknown direction. The victim has continued to walk further along the track where he was later found by a passer-by who proceeded to call an ambulance.”

“We would appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident to please call West Mercia Police on 101 quoting incident number 462s of Sunday 24 April.”

Witnesses can also give information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.