Chef stabbed in phone robbery

The stabbing took place near the Lloyd's amphitheatre

A man has been stabbed in the heart in Bristol city centre while trying to stop a mobile phone robbery.

Liam Attwell, 25, intervened when a gang tried to steal a boy's mobile phone in Canons Marsh.

He is now critically ill in hospital, with his family at his bedside.

Police have set up an incident room and about 40 officers are working on the inquiry.

Underwater search

The gang of five youths escaped on bicycles across Pero's Bridge to the other side of the city docks..

Divers have been carrying out an underwater search in the hope of finding the weapon.

Detectives are reviewing CCTV pictures taken in the area and speaking to staff in neary businesses.

Mr Attwell, from Southville, who was with a small group of friends at the time of the incident, is being treated in the intensive care unit at Bristol Royal Infirmary.

Public help

His parents and fiance were at his bedside.

Detective Superintendent Geoff Anderson, who is leading the inquiry, said: "It is vital that we hear from anyone who was in the harbourside area and may have seen the group prior to the attack, the attack itself or their getaway.

"A young man lies critically ill in hospital and we need the public's help to catch whoever is responsible for this."

Police have arrested one man in connection with the incident and he was in custody.

They are still seeking other people in connection with the stabbing.