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16 July 2024, 11:18 | Updated: 16 July 2024, 14:12
Police are searching for a masked knifeman after a woman was stabbed and robbed in the carpark of a hospital in Essex.
The woman was attacked in the car park of Basildon Hospital at around 6.40am on Monday.
Police said the man wearing a black balaclava, gloves and dark clothing including navy jogging bottoms.
The force added he then left the area on foot prompting a manhunt.
No arrests have yet been made.
The victim was treated at the scene by paramedics and the hospital said security has now been stepped up.
According to reports, the victim was stabbed as she got out of her vehicle.
Matthew Hopkins, Chief Executive, Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are aware of a serious assault in the car park at Basildon Hospital yesterday morning.
"Police are investigating the incident and security has been stepped up.
"The safety of staff and patients using our car parks is very important to us, and we will be reviewing what else we can do to keep everyone as safe as possible.”
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Essex Police said: "We are appealing for any witnesses or dashcam footage following an assault close to Basildon Hospital.
"We were called with reports a woman had been assaulted and robbed in the car park of Basildon Hospital at about 6.40am on Monday 15 July.
"The suspect, a man wearing a black balaclava, gloves and dark clothing including navy jogging bottoms, then left the area on foot.
"The victim was treated by paramedics at the scene.
"We believe several people were in the area at the time of the incident and want to speak to anyone that saw the assault or the suspect.
"The victim also sounded the horn of their car repeatedly at the time of the attack."