EXTRA police will be on patrol in Bolton after a teenager was stabbed in the neck as he sat in his car.

The incident happened just hours after a 24-year-old man was stabbed in the side less than half-a-mile away on the same road.

More police will be in the area to reassure the community after the attacks.

Police are hunting three men in connection with the latest incident, which happened off Chorley Old Road at 7.40pm last night.

A 19-year-old was sat in his blue Vauxhall Vectra which was parked on Turk Street, near Blockbuster Video, when he was attacked by three men.

One sat next to him in the vehicle, while the other two stood next to the driver's side window.

He was stabbed in the neck, but his condition is not thought to be life threatening. He remains in a stable condition at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

After the victim had been stabbed the offenders ran along Back Chorley Old Road towards Shepherd Cross Street.

They are described as white men of slim to medium build aged in their late teens to early 20s and all wearing dark clothing.

Det Insp Andrew Cunliffe, of Bolton CID, said: "This is a serious incident, which has left a man in hospital.

"As of yet we have not been able to interview him and are therefore keeping an open mind in relation to the motive for the attack.

"However I must stress that this incident could have proved fatal and we need to catch the people responsible.

"Extra patrols have been drafted into the area to provide reassurance to the local community.

"If anyone saw the three men as they ran towards Shepherd Cross Street or if you know who committed this crime please get in touch."

It was the second stabbing in the area that day.

At 1.30am a man was stabbed in the side in a row over cigarettes as he returned home after being at a friend's house.

The incident happened in Chorley Old Road, near Landmark House.

Any witnesses should contact Bolton CID on 0161 856 5740 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.