A MAN was stabbed in a layby on the A120 after going to help a woman who had been assaulted.

Essex Police said the motorist was driving along the A120 from Clacton towards Colchester when he saw a woman being punched by a man near a green phonebox, in a layby on the opposite carriageway, around 10.30am today.

He left the road at the nearby Ardleigh interchange and went to assist.

The man, aged in his late 30s, is currently at hospital being treated for a stab wound to the chest.

His condition is not thought to be life threatening.

Police are looking to trace the couple who were in the layby, and in turn need to check on the welfare of the woman who was assaulted.

The woman is described as white, aged in her 20s, with dark hair which was longer than shoulder length, wearing a beige jacket.

The man is aged in his 30s, white, of scruffy appearance, with short light brown hair. He was wearing an orange t-shirt, jeans and black trainers.

Officers are also appealing for any other witnesses to the initial assault of the woman and the subsequent stabbing to contact them at Clacton CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.