A TEENAGER is in hospital with a punctured lung after being stabbed in what appears to have been a motiveless attack in Essex today.The 18-year-old was taken to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford with multiple stab wounds after the assault in Temple Way, Heybridge, at around 12.30am.

A TEENAGER is in hospital with a punctured lung after being stabbed in what appears to have been a motiveless attack in Essex today.

The 18-year-old was taken to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford with multiple stab wounds after the assault in Temple Way, Heybridge, at around 12.30am.

Police later arrested five people in connection with the stabbing, which happened after the victim had been socialising in Maldon with friends.

Two Maldon men aged 18 and 21 were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm, a 22-year-old-Maldon man was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, and a 21-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

The victim's condition in hospital is described as stable.

Anyone with any information about the stabbing is asked to contact police on 0300 333 4444 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111