The 36-year-old, who police believe knew his attacker, was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery and his condition was yesterday described as stable.

The incident unfolded shortly before 1pm in St Anne's Park off The Avenue when an argument is thought to have broken out between a group of people.

The man was stabbed in the stomach by his attacker who then fled. An emergency call was made to Sussex Ambulance and within minutes paramedics and police officers were on the scene.

As the victim was rushed to Eastbourne District General Hospital with life-threatening injuries, police began a finger tip search of the park. All exits were cordoned off and guarded by police officers, and forensic teams were called in.

As darkness fell, mobile lighting units were used to illuminate the park and full search teams worked late into the night. The knife used in the attack has not been recovered.

Police said yesterday a 24-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the attack and was being questioned as the Herald went to press, and another man is being hunted by police officers.

Eastbourne CID is leading the investigation and officers were quick to point out the stabbing was an isolated incident.

Chief Inspector Ian Williams said, "People should be reassured that we do not believe this was a random attack. This was a serious but isolated incident and there is nothing to suggest that anyone else is at risk. We believe the victim knew his attacker and officers are looking into the motivation for the attack."

The DI also said, "There is a team of detectives working on this investigation. We have conducted a full search, both forensically and physically, of the park. Mobile lighting was brought in from headquarters along with a full search team and officers worked late into the night. The park was re-opened to the public by Thursday morning."

Police are now appealing for witnesses to contact Eastbourne CID and anyone with any information should call DS James Pateman on 0845 60 70 999 quoting serial 753 of October 1 and Operation Dalham.