ARMED police and a search helicopter have been scrambled after a woman was stabbed.
Officers were called to Sussex Wharf in Shoreham at just after 9.30pm on Tuesday.
Residents were told to be vigilant for any "suspicious" men in the area.
There have been reports that apartments along the River Adur waterfront have been evacuated, and police search dogs have been seen in the area.
Read more: Attempted murder: police hunt man after Shoreham stabbing
On social media residents have posted that they have seen multiple police cars and ambulances.
Police were seen approaching residents and drivers with a description of a suspect.
Police later confirmed that a woman had been stabbed multiple times.
One resident wrote on Facebook: "Armed police with guns and shields are now re-entering Sorlings Reach. Can hear smashing and someone came out on a stretcher."
Force control said: "Police and ambulance are currently responding to an incident in Shoreham.
"It is a localised incident, and is not believed to pose a threat to the wider public.
"However, police request that any suspicious men seen in the Shoreham area are reported to us immediately.
"Call the police on 999 and quote incident 1192 of 04/09."
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