A man has been left fighting for his life after being stabbed by a stranger in an unprovoked attack near a golf course in Stafford.
The man, who is in his 60s, was walking near the golf course on Thursday evening when he was reportedly assaulted by a man in his twenties.
He was found with stab wounds and slumped on a bench by a member of the public who called 999.
Emergency services were called to the scene on Newport Road near Stafford Castle and Castle Golf and Leisure at around 7pm.
He was rushed to hospital where he was treated for his injuries and he remains in a critical condition as of Friday.
Police have since launched a manhunt for the knifeman.
A Staffordshire Police spokesperson said: 'We were called at 7pm on Thursday 14 May to Newport Road, close to the golf club, following reports of violence.
'The victim, a man in his 60s, had been walking in the Castlefields area from Redgrave Drive towards Stafford Castle, when he was approached from behind by an unknown man and assaulted.
A man in his 60s has been left fighting for his life after being stabbed in Stafford on Thursday evening
Emergency services were called to the scene near Stafford Castle and Castle Golf and Leisure (pictured)
'He was found on a bench by a member of the public who raised the alarm.
'Officers attended along with colleagues from West Midlands Ambulance Service, the Midlands Air Ambulance and the National Police Air Service.
'The victim was taken to hospital by land ambulance. He remains in a critical condition in hospital.'
The suspect is described as in his mid to late 20s, of an average build, and wearing dark clothing.
There is currently a large police presence at the scene and a cordon can be seen around the putting green at the course.
Adrian Morris, who lives near the golf club, said: 'It's shocking. It's really not this type of area.
'We have a few kids on bikes and stuff, but nothing anti-social.
'Where it happened, it's a popular walkthrough up to the castle, and lots of people go up there.
The man was found by a member of the public with stab wounds and slumped on a bench
The man was rushed to hospital where he was treated for his injuries and he remains in a critical condition
'It gives you a lovely view of the golf course, it's really nice.
'I haven't heard of anything bad happening there. Me and the wife walk that route all the time'.
Janet Williams, who also lives in the area, said: 'It's unbelievable. This is a really quiet and close neighbourhood.
'We will all be shocked for some time, it's just tragic really.'
A spokesperson from the golf club said while everyone is coping well, they are 'obviously shocked at the incident.'
They said the course would be closed for as long as the police need to investigate.
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: 'We were called to reports of a stabbing on Newport Road.
'One ambulance, a paramedic officer, a MERIT trauma doctor with a critical care paramedic and the Midlands Air Ambulance Critical Care Car attended the scene.
'On arrival we discovered one patient, a man. He was treated for serious injuries before being taken to hospital for further treatment.'
Anyone with CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage is urged to contact police on 101 or use Live Chat on the force's website, quoting incident number 641 of 14 May.
Alternatively, information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.