TWO men were stabbed and rushed to hospital after being attacked on their way home from a night out in Colchester town centre.

The victims were set upon by two other men as they walked in Abbey Field, off Circular Road, in the early hours of Saturday.

Part of the field remained sealed off throughout much of Saturday as police continued their investigation into the incident.

The two victims both received one stab wound to the lower part of their bodies during the altercation, which took place at about 4.15am.

They were treated at hospital but released the same day and their injuries are not life-threatening.

Police are tracing the two suspects who fled the scene.

One is described as white, wearing a white T-shirt, in his early twenties and of skinny build.

The other is described as black, 5ft 10ins tall, medium or stocky build and wearing a grey hooded top.

Essex’s police and crime commissioner Roger Hirst said Saturday’s incident, as well as other knife crimes in the town, were being taken “very seriously”.

Mr Hirst said: “I am horrified by this ghastly crime.

“We recognise knife crime is an issue in Colchester, but it’s not just Colchester.

“We have declared knife amnesties and put bins across the county.

“The public can be reassured we are taking this very seriously.”

Paul Smith, Lib Dem leader of Colchester Council, believes cutbacks at Essex Police could be responsible for increased problems with knife crime.

He said: “We would certainly like more police presence. The loss of PCSOs does seem to have caused an issue.

“Recruitment of specials is not taking place at a fast enough rate. I have a meeting with the PCC and I will be raising this as an issue.”

Mr Hirst added: “Knife crime and gang crime is very much a priority in the crime plan I am putting together.

“We know we have an issue of gang crime being driven out of London.”

Anybody with information about Saturday’s incident is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.