A POLICE hunt has been launched for two men who may hold vital clues around a stabbing which took place in a Southampton park.

A 42-year-old man was rushed to Southampton General Hospital with stab wounds to his neck in Watts Park at around 3pm on Thursday.

Police say the man remains in hospital in a serious condition.

Officers have now launched a hunt for two black men who were believed to have been seen running away from Watts Park in the direction of Grosvenor Square

A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said: “One of the men was wearing a black coat and the other a grey hooded top.

“If you witnessed this incident or saw these men, please contact us as you may have information valuable to this investigation.”

The heavy police presence was seen in the park at the same time as officers made a number of arrests in London Road.

As previously reported by the Echo, a large section of the Watts Park, opposite the civic centre, was sealed off by police tape.

Officers were seen guarding park gates as investigations were carried out.

City councillor Bob Painton was arriving at the civic centre when he saw what he described as “mass police activity”.

He said: “I have never seen so many police officers in the park.”

Police photographers were also spotted at the park as part of the investigations into the stabbing.

South Central Ambulance Service sent an officer, a specialist paramedic and an ambulance to the scene.

A passer-by told the Echo that the attack was “disgusting”.

The 53-year-old woman added: “You should be able sit in the park. Nobody needs this.

“This town is not safe anymore. There are too many people being killed and burgled – it’s not nice.

“You expect to walk through town and see people enjoying the sunshine, not all of these police officers.”

A college student added: “It actually makes me feel more unsafe having all of these police officers around. It makes you more alert and think ‘what if someone’s been killed?”

Police say there is no risk to the wider public at this time.

They are urging anyone with information relating to this case, please call 101 quoting reference '44170118734', or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.