Man in his 60s tried to fight off 'Eastern European' knifeman with his hands before golf club member found him on bench and raised alarm

Published: 17:45, 16 May 2026 | Updated: 17:53, 16 May 2026 A brave man in his 60s attempted to fight off an 'Eastern European' knifeman with his hands before a golf club member raised the alarm after finding him on a bench with stab wounds, it was revealed on Saturday. As the victim remains in a critical but stable condition in intensive care, a barman at a golf club in Stafford near where the unprovoked attack happened said: 'We're all hoping that police catch the culprit very soon. 'It was a horrific, shocking incident and very alarming that he is still on the run. 'We are praying the man makes a full recovery and our hearts go out to him and his family.' The man suffered multiple injuries to his legs and body and had 'defensive' wounds to both hands. He was attacked from behind while walking along a public footpath near Stafford Castle Golf and Leisure club on Thursday evening. The man, who has not been named but is understood to be from the Staffordshire city, managed to stagger from the tree-lined pathway to the clubhouse, where he collapsed on a memorial bench outside with blood pouring from his wounds, the Daily Mail can reveal. Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect, who is in his 20s and described as of 'Eastern European' appearance. The man in his 60s collapsed on a memorial bench outside with blood pouring from his wounds after he was attacked by a knifeman As a four-club cup challenge was being played today on the course, 48 male golfers had to carefully take their shots as a dozen of police officers remained at the scene. The footpath where the victim was assaulted and leads up the hill to the castle remains cordoned off. But the bench where he was found slumped on by a golfer was in view after a police tent covering it had earlier been lifted. The victim is not a member of the club, a barman working today said. He told how a member had found him and immediately called 999. The worker, who declined to be named, said: 'The club was open late on Thursday, thankfully. 'I wasn't working but I heard what happened because it was all over Facebook and the local and national news. 'Nobody it seems saw the attack but the man managed to get to the club where he collapsed on the bench outside pouring with blood. The man managed to stagger while wounded from the tree-lined pathway to the clubhouse, which has been cordoned off by police 'We heard he had injuries all over his body and legs and had defensive wounds to his hands so it appears he was trying to fight off his attacker.' The barman, speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, said: 'It was a vicious and unprovoked attack and it is awful that it happened so close to our club and course. 'It is nice area and usually a safe place. The man is not a member of our club but was just walking nearby and got attacked randomly. 'It is a popular route and a 15-minute walk up to the castle. 'The man was found slumped on the bench outside the club by one of our members. He was very badly injured and luckily the golfer managed to raise the alarm quickly to get help.' The barman added: 'Teams of police have been here since, working around the clock, searching for clues and trying to find the weapon. 'We heard the suspect is Eastern European and a young man. What his motive was no one knows, we haven't a clue, but it is a terrible thing to have happened. 'It was a horrific incident and very alarming that he is still on the run. They have to catch him! Police, pictured on the golf course, have launched a manhunt for the suspect, who is in his 20s and described as of 'Eastern European' appearance 'Police cordoned off the footpath and the bench but this morning lifted the tent surrounding the bench.' A spare pair of blue forensic gloves placed on the seat were visible. The barman continued: 'There are seven cop cars parked up and there must be 20 officers. 'They closed the club yesterday but it was reopened today. 'Our members are aware of the crime committed and so are the many visiting golfers. There are cops everywhere out in the course and guarding the footpath.' A four-club challenge, with three visiting clubs, went ahead as scheduled. A visitor golfer said: 'It's very surreal playing a tournament with police officers all over the show. 'We're thankful we're able to carry on playing and hope police find the attacker as quickly as possible. He needs to be locked up.' The victim was attacked from behind while walking along a public footpath near Stafford Castle Golf and Leisure club (pictured) on Thursday evening The course is in a residential area with locals very concerned. One mother, whose home backs onto the course, said: 'This is a very concerning situation for residents, golfers and members of public. 'So many people use the footpath at the other side of the good course to go up to the castle and many kids and adults cross the grounds to play the nine-hole foot golf course.' The mother of two said: 'Police have been conducting house to house inquiries but no one saw or heard anything untoward. 'It is frightening to think that a man capable of attacking an elderly man so ferocious is still on the loose. 'But officers are out everywhere which gives us some comfort and protection because it seems very unsafe.' Emergency services had rushed to the golf club off Newport Road shortly before 7pm on Thursday after reports of a man with multiple stab wounds. He was rushed to hospital where he was treated for his injuries. Detectives are completing extensive CCTV and house-to-house enquiries while drones and the National Police Air Service helicopter are supporting the activities in the area Staffordshire Police have since launched a manhunt for the knifeman, and said they are doing 'all they can to identify and apprehend the suspect'. A force spokesperson said: 'We were called at 7pm on Thursday May 14 to Newport Road, close to the golf club, following reports of violence. 'The victim, a man in his 60s, had been walking in the Castlefields area from Redgrave Drive towards Stafford Castle, when he was approached from behind by an unknown man and assaulted. 'He was found on a bench by a member of the public who raised the alarm. 'Officers attended along with colleagues from West Midlands Ambulance Service, the Midlands Air Ambulance and the National Police Air Service. 'The victim was taken to hospital by land ambulance. He remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital.' The suspect is described as in his mid to late 20s, of an average build and wearing dark clothing and of Eastern European origin. Adrian Morris, who lives near the golf club, said: 'It's shocking. It's really not this type of area. 'We have a few kids on bikes and stuff, but nothing anti-social. 'Where it happened, it's a popular walkthrough up to the castle, and lots of people go up there. 'It gives you a lovely view of the golf course, it's really nice. 'I haven't heard of anything bad happening there. Me and the wife walk that route all the time.' Local Janet Williams said: 'It's unbelievable. This is a really quiet and close neighbourhood. 'We will all be shocked for some time, it's just tragic really.' A spokesperson from the golf club said while everyone is coping well, they are 'obviously shocked at the incident'. They said the course would be closed for as long as the police need to investigate. A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: 'We were called to reports of a stabbing on Newport Road. 'One ambulance, a paramedic officer, a MERIT trauma doctor with a critical care paramedic and the Midlands Air Ambulance Critical Care Car attended the scene. 'On arrival we discovered one patient, a man. He was treated for serious injuries before being taken to hospital for further treatment.' Specialist officers are continuing to support the victim's family, Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage is urged to contact them. Detectives are completing extensive CCTV and house-to-house enquiries while drones and the National Police Air Service helicopter are supporting the activities in the area. Chief Inspector Saqib Butt, our Stafford Borough local policing team commander, said: 'We understand this is a highly worrying time for our communities and we are doing all we can to identify and apprehend the suspect. 'Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area before or after the assault should contact us as soon as possible. 'We would like to thank everyone who has provided information so far and we will continue our house-to-house enquiries today. 'We will be carrying out robust proactive patrols locally throughout the day to help reassure residents that we are there for them.' Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.