Five men arrested in connection with a stabbing in Norwich have been released on police bail.

Officers were called to Hemming Way at approximately 5pm on Wednesday 27 October following reports that a man had been stabbed. On arrival, a man aged in his 20s, was discovered inside the address with stab wounds.

A further call was received by the East of England Ambulance Service shortly after, reporting that five men, aged in their 20s and 30s, had also been found on Marriott’s Way, two of which had suffered stab wounds.

Armed officers were deployed to the scenes and those with injuries were taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital for treatment, where they remain in a serious but not life-threatening condition.

Enquiries led police to arrest eight men, all aged in their 20s and 30s, in connection with the incidents, including the three being treated for stab wounds.

Five men have been questioned and were released on police bail with conditions to leave Norfolk and only to return when responding to bail. Three men remain in hospital and detectives are waiting to question them.

Detective Inspector Tom Smith said: “We are continuing with our enquiries and will be conducting searches today in the Marriott’s Way area, where a police cordon remains in place.

“At this stage in our investigation, we are not treating any of those involved as victims. We have a number of active lines of enquiry, including whether those involved are linked to county lines drug activity and we are working to explore this.”

“We would like to thank members of the public for their understanding, given that the area cordoned off is a popular walking destination. The cordon in Hemming Way has now been lifted.

“We reiterate our plea for those who have concerns to speak with local officers, who continue to patrol the areas.”

Anyone who witnessed the incidents or has any information should contact Norwich CID on 101 quoting incident 332 of 27 October 2021.