A TOWN centre stabbing which has left one man dead and another in a critical condition has been called a "dreadful and worrying incident".

Last night, emergency services raced to the High Street following reports of a stabbing.

Police have revealed that a 23-year-old man has died following an attack outside the Royal British Legion, while a man and a woman, both 23, remain in hospital.

Following the incident, Lymington town Mayor, James Hoare, said he was "deeply saddened".

He added: "My thoughts are with the friends and family of those who have died and are injured in this terrible crime.

"I would like to thank the emergency services for the response last night and the work they are continuing to do.”

Cllr Alan Penson, who represents the Lymington Town ward, said: "It's a dreadful, worrying incident.

"It's a worry to us in the town and a big concern for those involved whether the victims or the perpetrators of it. I really don't think it's appropriate to say much more at the moment."

He added: "We've got to see what the full result of the [police] investigation is into this terrible incident but I don't think we should be panicked by it in any way. It's probably a one-off.

"It's pretty dreadful but we will have to see what action the police take on it."