A 19-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a moped rider was stabbed in the back.

The man, from Bexhill, remains in police custody today after an attack took place in Albert Road in the town yesterday.

Two men were seen fighting and emergency services were called to the scene at 3.50pm.

The victim, a 35-year-old man from St Leonards, was pushed off his moped – which was stationary at the time - and punched and stabbed twice in the back. He was taken to hospital, required stitches and has since been discharged.

Afterwards the attacker was seen walking towards Parkhurst Road. Police officers searched the area and a car which the attacker was believed to be in was stopped. A 28-year-old man from Robertsbridge was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. He has been released on bail until October 31.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward with information and have described the attacker as white, around 6ft tall, slim, with short cropped blonde or light brown hair. He was wearing a burgundy t-shirt and shorts.

Detective Sergeant Ross Bartlett urged anyone with information to call police on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting Operation Suez.