POLICE have launched a major investigation after a man was stabbed in a Hampshire street.

A 22-year-old from Gosport was the victim of a vicious knife attack at Barnfield Close in Southampton yesterday.

A police spokesman said: "The man was assaulted by a group described as young men or teenage boys.

"The man and his friend met the group in Barnfield Close around 9pm and shortly afterwards the attack occurred.

"The man remains in hospital in a serious condition. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening at this time.

"Officers are carrying out enquiries in the local area today."

The knifing is thought to have occurred near white or grey Fiesta that was parked in the street.

Police are anxious to hear from anyone who saw the car or saw or heard something suspicious in the area at around the time the stabbing took place.

Call Hampshire police on 101, quoting crime reference number 44180388681.