A 21-YEAR-OLD was stabbed in the stomach as a car was stolen in a robbery in Micklefield.

He and an 18-year-old friend were dragged from the vehicle and attacked by two men in hooded tops, with the car being found on fire three days later.

The man needed surgery at Stoke Mandeville Hospital after the stabbing, but has since been discharged.

The robbery took place some time between 9pm and midnight on Monday, June 9, when the two victims were approached while sitting in a blue Ford Fiesta outside the parade of shops in Gayhurst Road.

They were threatened with what is believed to be a knife and were removed from the vehicle, which was stolen and found alight at 11pm on Thursday, June 12.

Thames Valley Police has now launched an appeal for witnesses to the incident, or anyone with information, to contact them.

Investigating officers say the first man was black, of average size and aged in his late twenties. He was wearing dark clothing with a hooded top covering his head. The second offender is black, of muscular build, over 6ft tall and aged in his late twenties or early thirties. He wore grey clothing with a hooded top.

Det Con Quoc Vo, from High Wycombe Force CID, said: "I would like to speak to anyone who saw what happened during the assault or who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area at the time it happened.

"I am also appealing to anyone who witnessed the arson of the vehicle which took place in a service road off Colne Road.

"I would like to reassure the community that incidents like this are rare. Thames Valley Police is committed to keeping its residents safe, and would urge everyone to look out for anyone acting suspiciously."

Anyone with information should contact Det Con Vo on 101 or the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

* A 29-year-old man from High Wycombe was arrested on Wednesday, June 11, in connection with the incident and bailed until June 25. A 22-year-old man from High Wycombe arrested the previous day in connection with the incident and was released without charge.