A man in his 60s was violently attacked on a footpath near Stafford's Castle Golf Club on Thursday evening, leaving him in critical condition. Police say the attacker, thought to be a man in his 20s of Eastern European orgiin, fled the scene and have now released CCTV footage to aid the search.

Police identify suspect as a man in his 20s of Eastern European background

According to the Staffordshire Police statement, the assailant approached the victim from behind and stabbed him without provocation. The suspect is described as a young adult, likely in his early twenties, and believed to be of Eastern European descent. This profile is based on eyewitness description and the visual cues captured on the club’s security cameras.

Victim found slumped on a bench with multiple stab wounds

The injured man was discovered by a passerby who called emergency services after seeing him collapsed on a bench near the course . The witness’s quick action prompted an ambulance call, and the victim was rushed to hospital where he remains in critical condition. Police have not released further medical details, citing privacy concerns.As the investigation unfolds,officers are urging anyone who saw the suspect or has information about his movements after the attack to contact the force.

Manhunt intensifies after release of CCTV footage

Staffordshire Police have made the surveillance video public, hoping that community members can help identify the attacker. The footage shows the suspect walking away from the scene shortly after the assault, providing a clear view of his build and clothing. the force says the release is part of a broader strategy to generate leads quickly.

Who is the “Eastern European knifeman” and why the label?

The police description repeatedly uses the phrase “Eastern European knifeman,” a label that has drawn criticism for potentially inflaming ethnic stereotypes. The report does not name a nationality or provide evidence of the suspect’s background beyond the visual assessment , leaving the exact origin unverified.

What remains unknown about the attack?

Key unanswered points include the motive beihnd the random stabbing and whether the suspect has a criminal record. The police have not confirmed if any similar incidents have occurred in the area, nor have they identified a possible accomplice.