SIX people have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after four people were stabbed in Southampton.

Detectives investigating the knife attacks in Cranbury Avenue night have also seized two cars which they believe were involved in the incident.

A 17-year-old male and a 27-year-old man from London, an 18-year-old man, a 31-year-old man and a 44-year-old man, all from Southampton and a 31-year-old man from Middlesex are all being quizzed by police on suspicion of attempted murder and violent disorder.

Three men remain in hospital today, where they are being treated for their injuries, which police are keen to stress were caused in a targeted attack.

A fourth man has since left hospital.

The alarm was first raised late on Tuesday night when a 17-year-old burst into The Alexandra pub, in Belle Vue Road, as staff were closing up, saying that he had been stabbed and needed an ambulance.

Two men were then found by police at a property in Cranberry Avenue, one with an abdominal wound and the other with a hand injury, while a fourth man with a minor hand injury made his way to the Royal South Hants Hospital.

Cranbury Avenue has now been reopened after it was closed yesterday to allow scenes of crime officers to gather forensic evidence and the focus is now on a Vauxhall Astra and a Volkswagon Golf, which were seized from the scene and are now being examined for evidence.

The latest arrests come after a 19-year-old man from London was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm, yesterday. He is still be quizzed by police.

Detective Inspector Ellie Hurd, who is leading the investigation, said: “We would like to renew our appeal and speak to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area of Cranbury Avenue at around 11.15pm on Tuesday night, no matter how insignificant it might appear to be as this could be vital to our investigation.

“There is also a possibility that others may have been involved in this incident. If so, it is important that they also contact the investigation team, especially if they suffered injuries.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Operation Nightingale investigation team at Southampton Central police on 101.