A teenager was stabbed in the legs during an incident at the Vineyards Shopping Centre in Great Baddow.
Police were called to the shopping centre just after 10pm last night following a call from a man working in the area who had found a teenager who had been stabbed.
The 19-year-old victim was taken to hospital where he is receiving treatment for his injuries.
His injuries are not thought to be life threatening.
An Essex Police spokesman said: "It is thought the teenager was attacked by a group of men who got out of an old style grey coloured BMW.
"At the moment, officers do not believe it was a random attack."
Anybody with any information about the incident is asked to contact officers at Chelmsford CID on Essex Police 101.
People can also leave information anonymously via independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
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