Witnesses described seeing a man whose clothes were "sodden with blood" after a late-night stabbing.

Two boys have been arrested following the violent attack near Billingshurst Train Station at about 9.30pm.

A man and a teenager were walking southbound along Station Road when they were approached by a group of young adults.

The group followed them to a nearby cashpoint then back along Station Road before two of the youngsters pounced on the pair, stabbing the man and leaving him with wounds to his stomach.

It is understood he was also punched in the face and suffered injuries.

Witnesses say they saw a man "slump" against a building. They say his clothes were "sodden with blood" and a pool of blood formed on the pavement where he was sitting.

A section of ground where witnesses said there had been a pool of blood after a stabbing near Billingshurst Railway Station

A section of ground where witnesses said there had been a 'pool of blood' after a stabbing near Billingshurst Railway Station

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: "The victim, a man in his late 20s, suffered stab wounds to his stomach and facial injuries.

"He was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton where and is in a stable condition."

Police were called to the scene and quickly set about searching the area for the culprits.

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent and a 16-year-old boy from Pulborough has been detained on suspicion of wounding with intent.

Both boys remain in custody while enquiries are ongoing.

Two boys have been arrested after a man was stabbed in a vicious attack in Billingshurst

Two boys have been arrested after a man was stabbed in a vicious attack in Billingshurst

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Katie Clack added: "We are appealing for anyone who witnessed the assault or has information to assist our investigation to make contact with us.

"Fortunately, the victim is not believed to have suffered life-threatening or changing injuries but this incident has, understandably, left him shaken. Support is being provided to him.

"Please get in contact with us, no matter how small the piece of information is."

Anyone with information on the attack is urged to report this to police online or by calling 101 quoting reference 1448 of 01/04.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously.