POLICE have launched a massive manhunt after two men were apparently stabbed in separate incidents.

One man has already been arrested on suspicion of kidnapping and assault, but another suspect is on the run.

Detectives are making inquiries to establish whether the two attacks are linked.

The first attack happened in Taunton after 5pm on Tuesday (February 14).

The other incident took place in Bridgwater after 11am on Wednesday, when a man was discovered in the canal after being assaulted.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokeswoman said: "We have arrested a 24-year-old man from Taunton on suspicion of kidnapping and assault in connection with a serious incident in Taunton after 5pm on Tuesday, February 14.

"We are seeking another man in connection with the same incident.

"We are also investigating an incident in Bridgwater after 11am on Wednesday, February 15, where a man was found in the canal after being assaulted.

"We are following up a number of lines of enquiry in this investigation and we are keeping an open mind."

The victims of the two attacks are believed to have been seriously injured and receiving hospital treatment.

The arrested man is currently being quizzed by detectives.

Officers are believed to have raided a number of properties in their search for the second man.

Police and crime scene invetigators were at a flat in Canal Road, Taunton, throughout most of Wednesday.

Anyone with information about these incidents should call 101 and quote Taunton 5217034115 and Bridgwater 5217034521.