A serious incident occurred in Launceston on Bank Holiday Monday after police were called to investigate reports of an alleged stabbing.

The incident occurred at around 11pm, on Broad Street outside the White Hart Hotel and involved two men.

DI Daniel Massey said: “A 29-year-old man was attacked with a knife after an altercation outside a hotel.

“He received a significant injury to the abdomen area and is in a serious but stable condition at Derriford Hospital.

“Local units were quickly on the scene and firearms officers were deployed to the scene to assist, however, no arrests have taken place as of yet.

“Whilst we are still seeking the person responsible, I would like to reassure the public that this seems to be an isolated incident. Those involved appear to be known to each other.

“We are actively progressing lines of enquiry especially those relating to CCTV footage. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have any information regarding the incident to contact us.”

Since then, a 31-year-old man has been helping police with their enquiries.

On Wednesday, August 28, armed police descended onto Prince Philip Road in Launceston, in what was believed to be related to the original incident. One local resident, who didn’t want to be named, described what he saw. He said: “I was out cleaning my vehicle when it all happened right in front of me. It isn’t very often you see 18 or so officers come out of nowhere, eight of which carrying automatic rifles.”

According to the man, the police had boxed in a vehicle and insisted that the driver get out.

He continued: “You could tell something was up, I saw an unmarked police car earlier in the day, with officers who were armed.

“Once the police disembarked onto the road there were normal officers, a dog unit and of course the armed officers. It went on for at least an hour as the person in question wasn’t coming quietly, but police cuffed the man eventually.”

The witness went on to commend the actions of the police. He added: “The police acted fantastically in my opinion. They were professional and ensured the public’s safety through their operation.”