A man in his 60s is said to be in a critical condition after he was stabbed by an unknown attacker.
Police said they were called to Newport Road in Stafford, near the golf course, at about 19:00 BST on Thursday.
The man had been walking in the Castlefields area of the town, from Redgrave Drive towards Stafford Castle, when he was approached from behind, they said.
He was found on a bench by a member of the public who raised the alarm and was taken to hospital, where he remains.
The attacker was described as being in his mid-to-late-20s, of an average build, wearing dark clothing.
Officers added the would be a large police presence in the area as they conducted inquiries.
Anyone with information, CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage was urged to contact Staffordshire Police.
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