POLICE investigating the multiple stabbings in Southampton are eager to trace a man who had his hand wrapped in a plastic bag.

The man, who is described as having dark skin, entered the Alexandra pub in Bellvue Road on Tuesday evening, just as it was closing.

He went in at 11.15pm, with his hand wrapped in a plastic bag, before almost immediately turning around and leaving.

It is not known why his hand was covered or why he left the pub straight away.

Detectives would like to speak to this man as he may be a potential witness or further victim of the frenetic activity moments earlier in nearby Cranbury Avenue, where several people were stabbed in what officers are keen to stress was a targeted attack. If you can identify the man, phone the Operation Nightingale investigation team on 101 or anonymously on the Crimestoppers charity line 0800 555 111.

Officers would also like to speak to anyone who was in the general area of Cranbury Avenue between 10.30 and 11.45pm on Tuesday evening, as they may well have seen or heard something that could be vital to the investigation.