Victim attacked by three or four men in Loughton before being rushed to hospital

A man who suffered serious knife wounds after he was attacked by a gang on a night out reportedly had his hand cut off.

The victim, in his 20s, had been out on the town with friends when he was attacked in the street by three or four men on High Road, Loughton in Essex on Friday. Paramedics rushed him to hospital where he was being treated for “life-changing” wounds, Essex police said.

Officers arrested a suspect near the scene after a police community support officer gave chase on foot. They are still searching for three others who fled the scene in a black Audi A8, which was later found on fire on a street in Waltham Abbey.

Police are questioning a 30-year-old man from Grays on suspicion of attempted murder. A large knife was recovered from the scene of the attack. A police spokesman said: “Officers do not believe that this was a random incident and it may have been a targeted attack.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Essex police on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.