TWO more people have been arrested after a man was stabbed and another had hot water thrown at him in two targeted attacks.

Police were called to St John's Avenue, Colchester, at roughly 2.20am on Sunday after a man was stabbed in the back.

The victim was taken to hospital and is in a stable condition.

Officers were then sent to another incident in Sussex Road at 3am - just 40 minutes after the stabbing - after a man had an unknown liquid thrown at his chest.

The substance has since been confirmed as hot water.

Police arrested a 16-year-old boy from London shortly after the incidents on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent. He has now been released on bail until Sunday, September 16.

A 48-year-old man was arrested in connection with the boiling water incident in Sussex Road at 1.20pm on Sunday. He remains in custody.

Two hours later police arrested a 25-year-old man from Lowestoft was arrested on suspicion of possession of a knife and grievous bodily harm in St Botolph's Circus in connection with the stabbing. He has also been bailed until next month.

Police believe the two attacks are linked and are treating them as being targeted.

They do not believe there is any wider risk to the public.

Anyone with information should contact Colchester CID on 101 quoting incident 181 or 215 of August 19.