A 23-year-old man was stabbed multiple times in Bolton town centre in the early hours of today.

Part of Bolton town centre remains cordoned off by police, who have launched an appeal for information.

Police were called to Nelson Square just before 5.40am by a member of the public to reports his friend had been stabbed.

He took the man to hospital for treatment after discovering he had lost a lot of blood due to multiple wounds.

The victim is currently receiving treatment and will require surgery.

Police say it is not yet clear where the stabbing took place but part of Bradshawgate is a crime scene and road closures are in place on Bank Street and Brown Street as officers carry out their investigations.

Witness reports suggest that shortly after the stabbing, a man dressed in dark clothing ran along Bradshawgate towards Nelson Square. He is described as black, in his mid-20s to 30 and of stocky build.

Senior Investigating Officer John Stainton, said: “We’re working to ascertain exactly what happened this morning that left a man in a very serious condition in hospital.

“Officers are currently in the town centre looking for forensic opportunities and we’ll be carrying out other enquiries including examining CCTV but need people to call us if they saw something.

“You may have seen the stabbing itself or you may have seen a man, similar to the description we’ve given shortly after – whatever information you have, however insignificant you think it may be, please get in touch.”

A group of young men driving down Bradshawgate witnessed the victim being attacked and stopped to help. As they walked up a man ran off.

They described him as drifting in and out of consciousness as they tried to help him. After realising he had been stabbed multiple times, thought to be four, they put the victim in the car trying to stem his bleeding with their hands as they drove him to the Royal Bolton Hospital. He has since been transferred to Salford Royal Hospital.

One of the group said: "It was absolutely horrific. I am shocked. I have never seen anything like this."

The group had seen the man earlier and described him as enjoying the evening.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting reference number 548 of 16/12/17 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.