ELDERLY residents have been left worried for their safety after a daylight knife attack in their sheltered accommodation.

Police have launched an investigation after a report that a man had been attacked in the lift at Hamwic House in Onslow Road, Southampton.

Residents of the Bevois Valley flats told how they saw police at their gated building and blood in the lift after the incident at around 2.30pm on July 4.

The 19-year-old victim was rushed to Southampton General Hospital where he was treated for wounds to his head which are believed to have been caused by a knife.

One woman who has lived in the building for three years said how she saw police banging on her neighbour's door while she watched the Andy Murray Wimbledon match that afternoon.

The 60-year-old said: "I was watching tennis and I heard this terrible din. I thought it was my door. The police were saying 'open the door or we will bang the door down.'

"I opened the door to see two policemen but realised it was the other door, not mine.

"The police kept coming backwards and forwards but the guy wasn't there.

"I've never heard of anything like this before but there has been other issues here."

The woman said that trouble is not unusual at the flats and earlier this year she had seen armed police surrounding the building.

Harpreet Singh, 25, who cares for his grandmother at Hamwic House said he is worried for the older residents.

The block, which is managed by Family Mosaic, is made up of 35 one and two bedroom flats which are home to residents aged 55 and over.

He said: "I saw some blood in the lift. It looked like someone had hit their head against the wall.

"The police were her and afterwards, some cleaners arrived.

"I was shocked. At first I thought the cleaners were just here to clean someone's carpet.

"Everyone is older here. They shouldn't be doing anything like that because older people aren't used to loud noises and they get worried if they hear screaming.

"I don't want my grandmother to worry and when things like this happen I don't want to tell her.

"Older people need their families but when they're on their own they worry. It's hard for older people when they see behaviour like this."

Detective Constable Mark Bradley, said: “Fortunately the victims' injuries were minor, but this incident could have been much worse.

"I would urge anyone with any information about this incident to get in touch with us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call DC Bradley at Southampton Police Station on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.