Police have released CCTV footage of a suspected 'Eastern European knifeman' as they hunt an alleged attacker who left a man fighting for his life.
The victim, a man in his 60s, was walking close to Stafford's Castle Golf Club course on Thursday evening when he was approached from behind and randomly attacked by a man believed to be in his 20s.
He was later discovered slumped on a bench with stab wounds by a member of the public, who raised the alarm and called an ambulance.
The victim was taken to hospital for treatment and remains in a critical condition.
Police have launched a manhunt for the attempted murder and have released footage showing the alleged attacker.
In the CCTV, from around 7pm on Thursday, a man wearing blue tracksuit trousers and a black puffer jacket with a hood up can be seen sprinting along the road.
The force is also asking people to think if anyone they know returned home with any unexplained injuries or if they have been acting out of character.
The stabbing occurred as the man walked on a public footpath through the golf course and was approached from behind by a man believed to be Eastern European.
Police have released CCTV footage of a suspected 'Eastern European knifeman' as they hunt an alleged attacker who left a man fighting for his life
In the CCTV, from around 7pm on Thursday, a man wearing blue tracksuit trousers and a black puffer jacket with a hood up can be seen sprinting along the road
The victim - who has not been named but is understood to be from Stafford - managed to stagger from the pathway to the golf clubhouse, where he collapsed on a memorial bench outside with blood pouring from his wounds.
As the victim remains in a critical but stable condition in intensive care, a barman at a golf club in Stafford near where the unprovoked attack happened said: 'We're all hoping that police catch the culprit very soon.
'It was a horrific, shocking incident and very alarming that he is still on the run.
'We are praying the man makes a full recovery and our hearts go out to him and his family.'
The man suffered multiple injuries to his legs and body and had 'defensive' wounds to both hands.
The victim is not a member of the club, a barman working on Saturday said.
He told how a member had found him and immediately called 999.
The worker, who declined to be named, said: 'The club was open late on Thursday, thankfully.
'I wasn't working but I heard what happened because it was all over Facebook and the local and national news.
'Nobody it seems saw the attack but the man managed to get to the club where he collapsed on the bench outside pouring with blood.
'We heard he had injuries all over his body and legs and had defensive wounds to his hands so it appears he was trying to fight off his attacker.'
The barman said: 'It was a vicious and unprovoked attack and it is awful that it happened so close to our club and course.
'It is nice area and usually a safe place. The man is not a member of our club but was just walking nearby and got attacked randomly.
'It is a popular route and a 15-minute walk up to the castle.
'The man was found slumped on the bench outside the club by one of our members. He was very badly injured and luckily the golfer managed to raise the alarm quickly to get help.'
He added: 'Teams of police have been here since, working around the clock, searching for clues and trying to find the weapon.
A man attacked by an 'Eastern European' knifeman in Stafford is still fighting for his life in hospital
The victim was attacked from behind while walking along a public footpath near Stafford Castle Golf and Leisure club (pictured)
'We heard the suspect is Eastern European and a young man. What his motive was no one knows, we haven't a clue, but it is a terrible thing to have happened.
'It was a horrific incident and very alarming that he is still on the run. They have to catch him!
'Police cordoned off the footpath and the bench but this morning lifted the tent surrounding the bench.'
Detective Chief Inspector Ian Fitzgerald,said: 'This remains a fast-moving investigation, and we are progressing a significant number of enquiries.
'The response from the community has been tremendous and I am grateful to everyone who has already contacted us with information.
'Anyone with information, no matter how small it may seem, should contact us as it could be an important part of the investigation.'
'The victim remains in a stable but critical condition so it's vital we identify this male as soon as possible.'
'We understand this is concerning for the community. We're doing everything possible to identify and locate the person responsible.
'Specialist officers continue to carry out extensive enquiries including forensic examination, CCTV trawls, and detailed searches. An increased police presence remains in the area.'