A MAN has been stabbed and sprayed with tear gas on a petrol station forecourt.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses after an incident near the Esso and Tesco Express forecourt in High Street, Ongar.

Police were called by the ambulance service shortly after 4.50pm today with reports a man had been stabbed.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "A 19-year old man was taken to hospital suffering facial injuries after being stabbed and sprayed with CS gas.

"His injuries are not thought to be life changing or life threatening. Officers remain in the area conducting enquiries and the petrol station forecourt was closed while the investigation continued.

"It's believed a large number of people may have witnessed the attack. Witnesses who may have seen a group of four men wearing dark clothing heading on foot towards Love Lane from the petrol station, or anyone with other information, are asked to call Loughton CID on 101."