POLICE are urging any witnesses to come forward after a man was stabbed in a large fight on the evening before lockdown.

Officers were called to reports of a mass brawl involving about 20 people in Montpelier Place at at 10.15pm on Wednesday.

The 40-year-old victim was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital for treatment. He remains in a serious but stable condition.

Two men aged 18 and two other men aged 19 and 57, were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. They are assisting police and have each been released under investigation, pending further enquiries.

The Argus: Photos: Eddie MitchellPhotos: Eddie Mitchell

Detective Inspector James Ansell, of the Surrey and Sussex Police Major Crime Team, said: “This incident happened in a busy area of Brighton and we’re appealing for anyone with any information – including any relevant CCTV, dash cam or mobile phone footage – to contact us.

“We are confident that someone knows what happened and would urge them to do the right thing and speak to us immediately. You can also contact Crimestoppers in confidence.

“The victim and suspects are believed to be known to each other and this is being treated as an isolated incident with no threat to the wider public.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact police by calling 101, quoting Operation Moorcroft, or report online at www.sussex.police.uk.

Witnesses can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.