A man in his 60s attacked by an 'Eastern European' knifeman in Stafford is still fighting for his life in hospital as police confirm they are stepping up their investigations.
The victim, who attempted to fight off the attacker with his bare hands, remains in critical condition in hospital according to the latest update from Staffordshire Police on Sunday.
The force confirmed specialist officers are continuing to 'support the man and his family.'
The stabbing, on Thursday evening, occurred as the man walked on a public footpath through Stafford's Castle Golf Club course and was approached from behind by a man believed to be in his 20s.
The victim - who has not been named but is understood to be from Staffordshire city - managed to stagger from the pathway to the golf clubhouse, where he collapsed on a memorial bench outside with blood pouring from his wounds.
He was later found by a member of the public, who called 999, with multiple injuries to his legs and body and 'defensive' wounds to both hands.
Emergency services attended the scene shortly before 7pm, including one ambulance, a paramedic officer, a MERIT (Medical Emergency Response and Incident Team) trauma doctor with a critical care paramedic and the Midlands Air Ambulance Critical Care Car.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service said they were called to reports of a stabbing on Newport Road at 6:58pm.
A man attacked by an 'Eastern European' knifeman in Stafford is still fighting for his life in hospital as police confirm they are stepping up investigations
The man was later found by a member of the public with multiple injuries to his legs and body and 'defensive' wounds to both hands
The victim was attacked from behind while walking along a public footpath near Stafford Castle Golf and Leisure club (pictured)
They said: 'On arrival we discovered one patient, a man. He was treated for serious injuries before being taken to hospital by land ambulance for further treatment.'
The force have since launched a manhunt for the suspect and confirmed there is a 'significant and sustained police response' in place in Castlefield and surrounding areas.
They said there will be patrols, house-to-house enquiries, extensive searches and forensic examinations as their investigation continues.
They also confirmed they are being supported by neighbouring forces in the huge manhunt.
Staffordshire Police initially said they were seeking a man in his mid to late 20s, of an average build and wearing dark clothing.
In a later update, they said the knifeman was 'potentially of Eastern European heritage'.
A spokesperson for the force said: 'We want the public to feel safe and confident in their community.
'While incidents of this nature are rare, we recognise the impact they have, and we are taking this extremely seriously.'
The victim managed to stagger from the pathway to the golf clubhouse, where he collapsed on a memorial bench outside with blood pouring from his wounds
Police have urged witnesses and anyone with relevant information to come forward, even with the smallest of details.
Detective Inspector Dave Rowlands said: 'I want to reassure the community that we are doing everything in our power to identify and apprehend those responsible.
'There is a significant policing operation underway, including increased patrols in the area, and I would encourage anyone with concerns to speak to our officers.
'We are committed to keeping the public informed and ensuring the safety of our community.
'Your information remains vital to our investigation, and even the smallest detail could make a difference.'
The force spokesperson added: 'We continue to appeal to anyone who was in the Castlefields area between 5pm and 8pm on Thursday 14 May, or anyone who may have dashcam or CCTV footage, to come forward.'
Information to aid the investigation can be submitted through Staffordshire Police's online portal, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.