THREE men and a woman arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a stabbing in Southampton have been bailed pending further enquiries.

With the circumstances surrounding the stabbing of a man in his 20's unclear police have put out a fresh appeal for information from residents in Millbrook.

The man suffered a single life-threatening stab wound to his neck and is currently in hospital in a critical but stable condition.

Two local men, aged 30, another local man aged 24 and a 29-year-old woman were arrested yesterday on suspicion of attempted murder.

Police cordoned off three areas in Millbrook yesterday, one covering three houses on Pennine Road, another on Quantock Road and the two fast-food restaurants off Green Park Road were also sealed off.

A team of officers from Shirley police station are currently working to establish exactly what happened late on Wednesday evening.

Detective Inspector Gary Towse, based at Shirley CID, said: "This isn't a random attack we believe it was a targeted stabbing. The offender may not have intended to cause such serious harm, but we would urge that person to come forward.

"We are still unclear about the circumstances of the incident and exactly who was involved so I am appealing directly to residents in Millbrook, particularly in and around Pennine Road.

"If you saw or heard anything or have any information that could assist us in progressing this investigation your help is extremely important. You can speak to us in confidence and you may have the missing piece of the jigsaw that helps us solve this case."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Shirley CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.