A GOOD Samaritan who went to the aid of two women was stabbed. 

The 35-year-old victim, from Southend, was with his friends at the Plough pub in London Road  when he saw that two women appeared to be in trouble and he followed them both along London Road. 

They stopped by the junction of Argyll Road in front of the Trinity Methodist Church and he was confronted by a number of black men.

He was stabbed in the arm with a knife and had to be taken to hospital for treatment.

Detectives investigating the attack are appealing for witnesses or anyone with any information to come forward.

One of the suspects is described as a black man, aged about 28-years-old, 6ft 2ins tall and of slim, muscular build. He had gelled loose curled black hair and was wearing a checked shirt with purple and blue on it.

Dc Andy Copley, of Southend CID, said: "This was a serious incident and the victim was extremely lucky not to receive more serious injuries. He was enjoying a night out with friends and went to help a woman who was in distress when he was stabbed.”

Anybody with any information about the incident, which happened at about 1.30am on Saturday, June 27, is asked to contact Dc Andy Copley at Southend CID on Essex Police 101.

People can also give information to the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via an Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.