A man suffered stab wounds in a children's play area when he was attacked by a gang of four men in a 'targeted attack'.

Two of the suspects are described by the victim as black males and the other two are described by the victim as white males.

Cleveland Police were called to Crescent Road at 9.40pm on Wednesday night (March 29) where the victim was located having sustained numerous stab wounds when he was in the park area of Ayresome Gardens.

The 20-year-old man is currently receiving hospital treatment and his injuries are not currently believed life threatening.

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Scene of crime officers and other specialist teams were in the area conducting enquiries as well as extra reassurance patrols - although police do not currently believe there is a risk to the wider public.

Steven Atkinson, whose home overlooks the park, said: "I didn't see anyhting happen last night until there was police in the area.

"There's always kids hanging around but this sounds a lot more serious than the usual trouble."

One young mother, who was in the park with her children, said: "There are always youths hanging around the park but I haven't seen any fighting or anything like that.

"There is sometimes people taking drugs but as soon as it gets dark we head home."

The Northern Echo: Police tape at the park on Ayresome Gardens, Middlesbrough.Police tape at the park on Ayresome Gardens, Middlesbrough. (Image: Newsquest)

Middlesbrough CID would appeal for anyone with information, dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage to contact Cleveland Police on 101 quoting ref 059403.

If you don’t want to speak to police, you can pass information anonymously to orlo.uk/xnn0u or phone them on 0800 555 111.