The man stabbed more than 20 times in a vicious street attack in Salford had previously been linked to gang activity, the M.E.N. can reveal.

It is understood the victim is Leevon Birchall, who was made subject to a ‘gangbo’ order after detectives claimed he was linked to criminal activity in the city.

He underwent emergency surgery and is now in stable condition. Police are treating the Thursday night attack in Pendleton as attempted murder.

Leevon, 23, was one of the first people in Greater Manchester to be made subject to a criminal Asbo in 2012, an injunction banning them him from parts of Salford.

Along with two other men, he was also barred from communicating with alleged associates as part of Project Gulf, GMP’s anti-gang action.

But after breaking the order - and mocking police on Twitter - he was jailed for breaching the order.

It is understood he was walking near the junction of Citrus Way and Mango Place when he was ambushed by three men in balaclavas.

He was stabbed more than 20 times before his attackers were driven away in a getaway car.

The attack took place in a residential area, home to families and young children.

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One witness, who asked not to be named, told the M.E.N: “I was in bed just falling asleep when I heard a loud thud, like someone being hit by a car, I thought.

“I looked out the window and saw three men chase another man. They were wearing balaclavas.

“They were beating him up. He shouted ‘Come on boys!’ at them. He was in pain. I only found out later he’d been stabbed too.”

He added: “He shouted a woman’s name too, like he was calling for help. Then a car pulled up and the three men in balaclavas got in.

“The victim staggered into a house down the road. He was bent over and clutching his stomach.

“I’m still in shock, for something like that to happen close by. It’s terrible. I wish I hadn’t seen it.”

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Detectives are treating the attack as an attempted murder and are urging people with information to get in touch with police directly, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Det Insp Ben Hart of GMP’s Salford borough said the victim very nearly lost his life, adding: “Indications suggest this may well have been a targeted attack but we are still in the early stages of the investigation and remain open-minded as to their motives and intentions.

“It is vital that we catch those responsible for this attack, who have shown a complete disregard for the life of the victim and the impact of this attack on him and those close to him.”

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He urged people to come forward if they saw the attack, car or know the attackers.

He added: “We have a team of highly experienced detectives working on this incident, who will be able to deal sensitively with anyone who wants to pass on information. Please contact us if you have information that could help us catch the people responsible.

Anyone who wants to pass on information about the incident is asked to contact police on 0161 856 5360 or 101 quoting incident number 2777 23/06/16.

Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.