The town was reeling earlier this week after a young man was seriously stabbed in broad daylight.

At around 3.20pm on Monday, February 4 a 21-year-old from Buckhurst Hill was knifed in abdomen while in Danbury Road, Loughton.

A number of people rushed to his aide while the suspect fled the scene in a dark car.

As the man fights to recover from what the emergency services described as "serious injuries" in hospital, police stepped up patrols in the area and Loughton residents attempted to come to terms with another violent attack in the town.

One woman, who asked to remain anonymous, had recently installed several security cameras and alarms around her house.

She said: “I’m too frightened to let my 17-year-old son out to walk the dogs.

"We now drive out and take them to another park because it’s safer.”

Several residents who live close to the yesterday’s incident said Danbury Road has long been a target for burglars and regularly saw gang-related incidents.

One person said young people are often seen riding bicycles, mopeds and small cars within the area are “looking for trouble.”

The latest attack is just one of a number of knife-related crimes which have taken place within the Loughton in the past six months.

A teenager was stabbed and suffered serious injuries on The Broadway just before 3.40pm on Thursday, November 22.

On Saturday, September 22 police were called just after 11.30am to reports that a man was knifed on Epping New Road.

Loughton Karate Club founder and self-defence teacher, Stephen O’Brien, said he seen a noticeable increase in people attending classes in recent months.

“It’s terrible,” said Mr O’Brien.

“My lessons focus on five-week courses. You’d be surprised how my people don’t know the basics when walking about alone at night.”

The self-defence teacher said he moved from Hackney to Loughton 25 years ago as the town was considered a safer area when commuting along the high street and residential areas.

Town and district Councillor for Loughton, Stephen Murray, also commented on the incident.

He said: “As this incident took place in the ward I represent on the council I have been in contact with the relevant portfolio holder Councillor Sam Kane who has confirmed for me and other local residents that as the article says this was a targeted incident and the police assessment is that there is no wider threat to the public from this incident.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and we wish them a full recovery.”

Police would also like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and has dash cam footage.

Contact the Crimestoppers charity 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.