A BLOODIED knife was recovered by police after a teenager was stabbed and slashed with a weapon in Southend.

Officers were called by paramedics treating an 18-year-old who had a wound to his shoulder and another to his hand, which may have been caused as he tried to defend himself.

The attack happened shortly after midnight on Saturday along London Road.

Officers recovered the bloody knife, thanks to help from a member of the public, while searching the area.

Insp Ian Hughes said: “Thanks to some great work by the team at Southend Borough Council CCTV a suspect was identified and detained by officers.

“However, the knife was still outstanding.

“An eagle eyed member of public assisted officers in locating a knife that had been discarded nearby.

“This was an excellent example of quick time partnership work.”

The suspect was taken into custody for questioning but has since been released under investigation.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We have arrested a man on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and assault following an incident in Southend.

“We received a call from the ambulance service shortly after midnight reporting that an 18-year-old man suffered knife wounds to his hand and shoulder, described as neither life-threatening nor life-changing.

“The victim sustained the injuries after getting into an altercation with a suspect, who left the area.

“Officers attended the scene and arrested an 18-year-old man from Westcliff at around 1.25am.

“He has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.”

The incident took place at the same time as the force is running a countywide campaign to combat knives.

Insp Hughes added: “Op Sceptre has been running all week which has seen a number of initiatives focusing on reducing knife related crime.

“Southend benefits from a knife amnesty bin outside the police tation for any unwanted bladed items.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact police on 101. Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.