Man rushed to hospital in critical condition after stabbing at Devon Park in Adelaide’s inner-north

Shocked neighbours have recalled the terrifying moment a bloodied stranger – stabbed multiple times – begged for help in the early hours of the morning.

A Devon Park man has relived the terrifying moment a bloodied stranger – stabbed multiple times – begged for help on his doorstep in the early hours of the morning.

The resident, who asked not to be named, said he was jolted awake by frantic banging and yelling at his front door on Monday, about 4.30am.

It was still dark outside and a stranger was at his door visibly in pain and begging for help.

“He was yelling that he was going to die,” he said.

“He said call his mum or his brother or something like that.”

Residents reported a man covered in blood turned up asking for help on Monday morning, about 4.30am. Picture: Natasha Emeck

Fearing the man might be armed – or that his attacker was still nearby – the resident initially hesitated to open the door, calling triple-0 before stepping outside.

It wasn’t until his neighbour rushed over to help that the gravity of the situation hit.

“I didn’t know he was bleeding until I came outside because it was dark,” he said.

“I didn’t think it was that serious at all until … we assessed where the blood was coming from.

“I saw immediately his leg was bleeding pretty bad. Then we lifted up his hoodie and we saw he had some, multiple stab wounds (on the chest).”

The resident said he had been bleeding profoundly and they were just trying to make sure he survived.

“I didn’t know where he came from – I never knew the guy,” he added.

“But I hope he survives.”

Detectives are tracking a trail of blood stretching across multiple streets in Devon Park. Picture: Natasha Emeck

Detective Acting Chief Inspector Jeff Lang confirmed on Monday afternoon that the 28-year-old victim’s injuries were not considered life-threatening and said he was still being treated at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Police were yet to speak to the victim as the investigation continued, he said, but officers hoped to do so within the next 24 hours.

He said police did not believe the incident was random, with behaviour patterns indicating the that those involved knew each other and that the community could be assured it was an isolated incident.

The stabbing is believed to have occurred in front of a Devon Park business before the victim sought help from a community member 200 metres away from the initial crime scene.

Several inquiries were taken by police including an examination done by crime scene officers

The weapon used in the incident has not been identified, but is believed to to be some sort of bladed weapon.

“I want to reassure the community that while this type of attack is serious, we will respond rapidly and appropriately to ensure those involved are placed before the court,” Det Insp Lang said.

He also confirmed that the victim was known to the police.

A thick pool of blood remained on the front doorstep on Monday.

Neighbour Raymond Griffiths said he also heard the commotion.

“It’s normally a quiet area, not much happens here but last night it was different, so one can only hope he’s all right,” he said.

“Yes it’s upsetting anyone’s been stabbed. I mean that’s upsetting enough but these things are going on all the time now.”

Detectives cordoned off a large section of Belford Ave, along with nearby parts of Bolingbrook Ave as they worked to pinpoint the scene of the alleged attack. Picture: Natasha Emeck

Early on Monday morning, detectives cordoned off a large section of Belford Ave, Devon Park, between Bolingbrook and Berwick roads – along with nearby parts of Bolingbrook Ave and Alexander Ave – as they worked to track the bloodied path and pinpoint the scene of the alleged attack.

Police confirmed emergency services were called to Belford Ave about 4.30am on Monday after residents reported a man covered in blood who had turned up asking for help.

The 28-year-old was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.

Officers were seen throughout the morning scouring the streets on foot, appearing to follow a long blood trail left across the footpaths.

But by 11am, police cleared the scene and reopened the roads. Investigations are ongoing.

Originally published as Man rushed to hospital in critical condition after stabbing at Devon Park in Adelaide’s inner-north