Police have launched an attempted murder investigation after a teenager was stabbed seven times.

The 18-year-old, from the Hastings area, was in a stable condition in hospital yesterday after being attacked outside McDonalds in Wellington Place, Hastings, on Sunday night.

Detective Sergeant Colin Jaques, of Hastings CID, said police were treating the attack as attempted murder.

He said: "The victim was viciously attacked by a group of males and stabbed seven times in his legs, chest and shoulders. He was rushed to the Conquest Hospital.

"We need witnesses to come forward to tell us what happened during the incident and if they saw anyone running away."

Police believe the victim, whose name has not been released, left the fast-food outlet shortly before 9.30pm when he was attacked.

The road was cordoned off as police conducted a search of the area for forensic evidence. Mr Jaques said police inquiries had not turned up any motive for the attack.

He said: "We really are desperate for witnesses to come forward.

"It should have been fairly busy with people in restaurants or walking around the street, especially as it was a bank holiday weekend."

The road is often busy with people visiting pubs and clubs and has several fast-food outlets.

Five people were arrested in connection with the incident and were yesterday helping police with their inquiries.

A spokesman for McDonalds said: "Someone came into the restaurant and asked one of our staff members to call for an ambulance which they did.

"We will be co-operating fully with the police but, as I understand it, there weren't any witnesses from the restaurant."