WINCHESTER residents have spoken of their fears that their area has become a 'drug den' after a man was stabbed.

Three men were arrested following the stabbing in Colson Close.

Police were called to a house in the close where they found a 28-year-old with a stab wound to his stomach.  The man was taken to Southampton General Hospital for treatment before being discharged.

Three men, aged 35, 40 and 40, all from Winchester have been arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent in connection with the incident last Wednesday and released on police bail until October 21.

Colson Close previously had a crack house closed down through a court order and concern is growing about an increase in incidents police have been called to.

One man in the are who did not want to be named said: "It has got worse around here, there has been lots of incidents and there has been a stabbing before and another incident with a suspected firearm.

"Colson Close seems to have become a drug den, there have been lots of drugs raids here.

"I have been a resident here for over 12 years and apart from the odd case of a drunken student is has been a relatively trouble free area, but it does all seem drug related. The place is getting a reputation as Winchester's trouble spot."

local Liberal Democrat councillor in the area Nicki Elks said that the council is keeping a close eye on what happened.

Cllr Elks said: "It is awful for the other residents, I know there was a disturbance one night last week but I don't know the ins and outs.

"I have heard from residents and I feel for them a lot and the housing department has been made aware of it as well and the community officers so it is on the council's radar."

A 64-year-old retired woman from the area said: "I heard at the pub that somebody was stabbed in Colson Close, when I was told I said oh dear I live near that road."

"There have been incidents going on and there were two police cars here this morning."

"It is worrying I think there are lots of different people walking backwards and forwards sometimes they go round the back. My neighbours are saying that there are a lot of unknown people around there."

Another female resident said: "There are a few disturbances every now and then but there are in most places."