The injured man found in a road near Southampton city centre earlier today had been stabbed, police have confirmed.

Emergency services swooped on London Road just before 10am after a man suffered serious injuries.

He was taken to hospital where he remains in a serious condition.

Officers initally said they were treating the incident as a serious assault.

However, they have now confirmed they are investigating a stabbing and that the victim has suffered puncture wounds.

A large police cordon was set up this morning, covering the full length of the road from its junctions with Cumberland Place and Bellevue Road.

A block of flats next to London Road Brew House was also taped off.

The road was closed for a few hours.

Police involved in the case are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

A spokesperson said: “We would like anyone who saw what happened, or who has any other information about this incident, and has not yet contacted us, to please do so.

“Perhaps you were driving past this incident and may have captured it on a dash cam?

“If so, please call 101, quoting the reference number 44220269380, or via our website https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/.

“Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

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