SHOPPERS in Nottingham have expressed their shock after a 21-year-old man was seriously injured in a stabbing.
Those arriving in the city centre yesterday were met with the sight of a police cordon next to the Council House, in Long Row.
The injured man was found on the street at around 1.45am yesterday and remains "gravely ill" in hospital.
Crowds of shoppers gathered to see what was going on as forensics officers scoured the area.
Some including Primark and Warehouse were able to open but could not let customers in their front doors, while others such as Ann Summers, had to remain closed completely until the cordon was lifted at around 2pm.
Nicola Fletcher, assistant manager at Ann Summers, said: "We phoned our area manager and they said a 21-year-old man had been stabbed. Nothing quite like this has happened before on this road, but some sort of trouble goes on every week.
"I'm dreading the late night shifts towards Christmas as we finish at about 10pm."
Yvonne Crampton, assistant manager at Arden News, which overlooks Long Row, said: "I came in at 7.30am and it was cordoned off.
"It's not too bad for our business but for the shops down there it must be terrible, especially on a busy day like this."
Shoppers said they were shocked to see the police activity.
Karen Quickfall of Lucknow Road, Mapperley, said: "I don't come out much at night, the crime rate is terrible.
"I fear for the future of the city and the trouble all seems alcohol related."
The 54-year-old added: "It's awful, this is somebody's son or boyfriend.
"My daughter walks through town at night and that scares me."
Dave Blackwood, 43, of Corby Road, Mapperley, said: "You have to look out for yourself at night.
"I only go out sometimes. I just hope the guy is alright."
Edward Nurcombe, 44, of Musters Road, West Bridgford was also shopping in the city.
He said: "I hope they catch them.
"With the amount of police down here, it must be something serious."
Anyone with information should contact Notts Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Do you know the victim? Call our newsdesk on 0115 905 1967 or email newsdesk@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk
