AN ATTEMPTED murder investigation has been launched after a man was stabbed twice through the ribs at a block of flats.

Detectives have released a CCTV image of a man who may have vital information following the brutal attack which left neighbours terrified.

A man, aged in his 20s, suffered two stab wounds to his ribs inside a block on flats in Link Road on Canvey shortly before 5.50pm on Sunday November 3.

Officers arrested a 30-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder, who has since been released under investigation.

Police yesterday released details of the attack and an image of a person of interest having carried out their own investigation during the past month.

Community leaders said residents have been left reeling after the incident.

Peter Grieg, Canvey Independent councillor for Winter Gardens said: “Any incident like this is terrible, and the law needs to clamp down heavier on people who do this sort of thing.

“I know people living in these flats are frightened.

“I have talked to a few of them and they didn’t expect this to happen where they live.

“They are worried about what has happened on their doorstep and that’s understandable.

“No incidents like this are ever acceptable.

“My thoughts are with the victim at this time, and I hope he is doing well.

“We are fortunate on the island that we do not get many of these incidents.”

Residents said the community must stand strong against these sort of incidents.

Lorraine Baxster, 33, said: “I’ve lived here for ten years now and we’ve never had anything like this happen in that time.

“We simply cannot put up with this, I know elderly people and young women are especially worried and concerned.

“There is a danger that it will cause people to not want to leave their homes at night, but we cannot be put off by these incidents.

“I cannot imagine what this person went through, we should be able to go about our daily business without fear of being attacked.”

Anyone with information about the identity of this man, or about this incident, should call Basildon CID on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/175237/19 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.