A TEENAGER is in hospital after being found with life-changing stab wounds in Basildon.

Essex Police cordoned off the scene in Cherrydown East, near Basildon train station, following reports of the stabbing at 3.42am yesterday.

This is the second stabbing to have taken place in Basildon in less than a week, following an attack on a 15-year-old boy in Whitmore Court on Sunday night.

Police have increased patrols in the area as a result of the attack.

A spokesman said: “Officers went to help and found a man, aged in his late teens, with injuries to his hand thought to have been caused by a knife.

“He has been taken to hospital with injuries that while not considered life-threatening, could be life-changing.”

The cordon was in place yesterday morning while forensic teams carried out their investigations.

Witnesses are being sought by police.

The spokesman added: “We’d like to hear from anybody who was in the area and heard or saw any suspicious vehicles or behaviour.

“We’re particularly keen for those with CCTV, dash cam and doorbell footage to get in contact with us.

“Thank you to all those who have come forward with information so far.

“Officers will be on patrol in the area so if you have any concerns, please do speak to them.”

The attack on Sunday saw the 15-year-old suffer knife wounds to his arm and leg, requiring surgery, and has since been safeguarded by the police.

Both incidents have shook the community.

Emma Price wrote on Facebook: “Kids can’t have a one on one anymore without using a weapon. My boy got stabbed in August and I’m leaving Basildon ASAP.”

Call 101 quoting incident 78 of November 12 with information.