A search for a knifeman is continuing this afternoon after 16-year-old twin brothers were attacked on Saturday night in Dilton Marsh – leaving one of them “just a couple of millimetres from death”.

The brothers were among a group of 12 young people who had been at a house party in Ludborne Place and at around 11pm, they left and gathered at what is locally known as the Dilton Marsh roundabout in Tanyard Way.

Detective Inspector Paul Franklin, who is leading the investigation, said: “We’ve been told that an unknown man approached the group on the roundabout and threatened them. We believe there was some sort of altercation and what happened afterwards spiraled out of control very quickly.

“He was chased by several of the teenagers but produced a knife.

“One of the brothers was slashed across the chest and is lucky to be alive because the knife wound was so deep it was close to his heart. He was just a couple of millimetres from death. He was taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol where he is in a serious but stable condition.

“The other brother received cuts to his hands and was treated in hospital in Trowbridge and discharged.”

This afternoon, officers from units in Melksham and Salisbury searched the area for the knife, described as small and black.

DI Franklin said: “We have done a visual search of the road and we will do a more in depth perimeter search. The knife would have had to have a very sharp blade as the injury was very clear cut.

“The young lad was very lucky not to have died and any incident that involves a knife is extremely dangerous.”

DI Franklin added that the investigation would now hope to trace forensics to identify the offender. He said: “Our two main focuses of the investigation now is forensic work as there was blood and some items which may have been left at the scene by the offender. We are also hoping that our public appeal will encourage witnesses to come forward.”

The attacker has been described as being aged between 20-30, with shortish black hair. He was wearing a blue jacket and either blue jeans or grey jogging bottoms.

He is thought to be about 5ft 8in to 5ft 9 in tall.

DI Franklin said the suspect was likely to have been bleeding from a facial injury which he received during the confrontation.

A footpath along the main road near the roundabout has been sealed off as the search for the knife continues.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and ask for DI Franklin.