A man is fighting for his life in hospital after a "targeted" stabbing in Darlington. 

Police, paramedics, and an air ambulance descended upon Eastbourne Road around 2.30pm on Monday after reports that a man had been stabbed.

Armed officers were called to the scene and found the victim in Louisa Street, before ambulance crews rushed him to the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough. 

The man is currently receiving treatment for a single stab wound to the back, which Durham Constabulary said is "life threatening". 

Police on Louisa Street in DarlingtonPolice on Louisa Street in Darlington (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

The force confirmed that the suspect has been arrested and that it is believed that this was a targeted attack. It said there is no risk to the wider public.

Two cordons were erected in the area - with police taping off the K & H Family Convenience Store on Eastbourne Road and several homes along Louisa Street.

An air ambulance was spotted landing at a field off Globe Close, with the North East Ambulance Service sending one ambulance crew and a clinical team leader to the scene.

Crime scene investigators were also captured at the scene around 5.10pm. 

Police on Louisa Street in DarlingtonPolice on Louisa Street in Darlington (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Residents have since reacted in shock, with 25-year-old Srikanth Pittala telling The Northern Echo that he had "never seen anything like it".

He said: "After a while, the police showed up and I saw them take someone into an ambulance. This is the first time I have ever seen something like this. I’ve only been here two months.”

Durham Constabulary said: "A man is in hospital with life-threatening injuries following a stabbing in Darlington.

"Shortly before 2.30pm today, officers were called to the Eastbourne Road area of the town following reports that a man had been stabbed.

"Police, including armed officers, attended the scene and found the victim in Louisa Street. He was taken by ambulance to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough for treatment to a single stab wound to the back.

"A suspect has been arrested. It is believed that this was a targeted attack and there is no risk to the wider public.

"Two police cordons have been put in place in the area and it is expected there will be a large police presence for some time.

"Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident 209 of July 29th."

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A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called to reports of a man injured in Louisa Street, Darlington, at 2.25pm this afternoon (29 July).

"We dispatched one ambulance crew and a clinical team leader and requested support from our air ambulance colleagues. 

"One patient has been taken to hospital for further treatment."