AT around 11pm during the evening of Monday, July 17, police were informed by the ambulance service that a man in his 30s had received a stab wound to his side.

Police said this was understood to have taken place sometime between 10.30pm and just before 11pm, probably close to the White Ball pub on Bridge Street in Tiverton.

A spokesman said: “The victim entered the pub from the Westexe direction requesting medical help.  It was at this point staff called 999.

“Due to the seriousness of the injuries the casualty was airlifted by the Air Ambulance to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth.

“The injuries were initially thought to be life threatening.  Fortunately the man’s injuries were not as bad as initially feared and it is expected that he will be released from hospital later today (Tuesday, July 18).”

He said a police investigation has now begun and confirmed that the incident was being treated as attempted murder.

The public are being asked for any information about this incident that may help detectives identify the offender.

It is believed this was an isolated incident, possibly drugs related, but officers cannot be certain.

Detectives have been unable to identify where the actual incident took place nor have they any description of a suspect.

Up until Tuesday evening, the victim was not co-operating with the police.

The police are appealing to members of the public to contact them if they were in the vicinity of Bridge Street in Tiverton shortly before 11pm and who may have information about this incident.

Please call 101 or email: [email protected] , quoting reference CR/059047/17.  Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Alan Quick