DETECTIVES investigating a multiple stabbing incident in Southampton have released this picture of a man they urgently want to talk to.

The dark-skinned man, who had his left hand covered in a plastic bag, was seen walking to the Alexandra pub in Bellevue Road at around 11.15pm last Tuesday, but quickly turned around and left the area.

Police believe he may be connected to an incident in nearby Cranbury Avenue in which at least four people were left with stab wounds.

As reported, two people were discovered at an address in the street, while a 17-year-old youth wandered into the Alexandra bleeding heavily from serious injuries to his arm.

A fourth person went to the Royal South Hants Hospital for treatment.

Police want to trace the man in the picture, who was wearing a distinctive striped top and light coloured trousers, as they may be a potential witness or further victim of what they believe was a targeted attack.

A total of eight people have been arrested in connection with the stabbings.

Of those arrested, a 19 year-old-man from London has been bailed until July 10, while a 31-year-old Middlesex man, a 31-year-old man and a 44-year-old man, both from Southampton, have all been bailed until July 11.

A 17-year-old-youth and a 27-year-old-man from London are still in custody.

A 16-year-old Southampton youth was also arrested in connection with the incident on suspicion of attempted murder, and was later released on police bail.

An 18-year-old man from Southampton was also arrested but was later released and is facing no further action.

Police are appealing for the man in the picture, or anyone who knows who he is, to call the Operation Nightingale investigation team on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Officers also want to speak to anyone in the area of Cranbury Avenue between 10.30pm and 11.45pm on Tuesday, as well as around the Alexandra pub, as they may well have seen or heard something that could be vital to the investigation.