A FRIEND of suspected knifeman Arron Marshall has appealed for him to hand himself in to police.

A manhunt was launched to find the 22-year-old Bridport man following a knife attack near the Londis store at Skilling .

Police are seeking Arron Peter Marshall after a 36-year-old man was stabbed six times in the chest, face and hands in Alexandra Road on Saturday afternoon.

The victim was flown by air ambulance to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital following the attack.

His injuries were considered potentially life threatening at the time of the attack at 2.35pm on New Year’s Eve but his condition was later described as stable. He is now believed to be well on the road to recovery.

A friend of Marshall’s, who wanted to remain anonymous, contacted the Echo to ask Marshall to hand himself in.

She said that Marshall needed to go to the nearest police station.

“You aren’t a bad lad at heart, you have had issues in life.

“Please Arron, hand yourself in for your sake and your family, they all love you.”

Members of Marshall’s family have already appealed for him to hand himself in to the authorities.

Detective Inspector Stewart Dipple, of Weymouth CID, who is leading the investigation, said: “It is vitally important that anyone who knows of Arron Marshall’s whereabouts contacts Dorset Police urgently.

“If members of the public notice anyone matching his description then I would urge them to call us straight away. Do not approach this man – officers will be able to respond immediately.”

DI Dipple added that Marshall is still thought to be in the Bridport area.

Marshall is described as white, of medium build and 5ft 11in.

He has a tattoo of writing on his neck and of a koi carp, a snake, and writing on his right arm. He has blue eyes and short light brown hair. He walks with a pronounced limp.

Police also want to hear from witnesses to the attack and its aftermath or anyone with information.

Bridport Police Community Support Officers Andy Burdess and Pete Smith were patrolling the Skilling area yesterday.

PCSO Smith said: “We are patrolling around the area to help reassure the public after the incident on Saturday.”

• Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101 quoting incident 31:249 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.