A 17-year-old boy has admitted attempted murder after a man was left fighting for his life on a public footpath in Stafford.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to attempted murder, possession of a knife blade/sharp pointed article in a public place and theft from a shop at Stafford Crown Court today (Friday 18 September).

The vicious knife attack, described as "brutal" by police, happened earlier this year on 14 May.

The victim, a man in his 60s, was found suffering multiple stab wounds on a public footpath through Stafford Castle Golf Course.

By the time emergency services arrived, the offender had fled the scene.

Staffordshire Police said: "Police officers provided lifesaving first aid at the scene before colleagues from the West Midlands Ambulance Service arrived, continued to treat the victim and took him to hospital, where he underwent a series of emergency operations for his injuries.

"He has since been discharged but continues to recover from the physical and emotional impact of the attack.

"An extensive investigation by officers from the Major Investigations Department, including detailed CCTV enquiries and public appeals, led to the suspect being identified and arrested in Stafford on 19 May."

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Ian Fitzgerald said: "This was a shocking and violent attack that left the victim with life-threatening injuries and has had a significant impact on him, his loved ones and the wider community.

"Thanks to the determination and dedication of officers and staff involved in the investigation, we were able to quickly identify and arrest the person responsible.

"I would like to thank members of the public who provided valuable support with our enquiries.

"While today's guilty plea cannot undo the harm caused, it means the offender has accepted responsibility for his actions and the victim has been spared the ordeal of a trial.

"Our thoughts remain with the victim and his family as they continue their recovery."

Staffordshire Police added: "What began as a routine evening walk ended in a brutal and sustained attack that very nearly claimed a life.

"Thanks to the swift actions of responding officers, the expertise of medical staff and a relentless investigation, the offender has now admitted responsibility for his actions and will face justice before the courts."

The teenager will be sentenced at Stafford Crown Court on 20 November.