By Paul Reoch

A 22-YEAR-OLD man was in intensive care in Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, last night after a “horrific” stabbing at T in the Park.

It is believed the victim was attacked after trying to break up a fight on the campsite and was found injured near a hedge separating the blue and yellow camp areas at Balado, Kinross-shire, at 12.40am yesterday.

Until that point, the event enjoyed by 80,000 music fans had been relatively trouble-free. Prior to the stabbing police had stressed there had been no reports of serious crime and only seven people had been taken into custody since Friday.

The man was treated by medics at the scene before being taken by ambulance to the intensive care unit at Ninewells, where his condition was last night described as serious but stable. His parents have been informed.

Police carried out extensive inquiries and interviewed campers, and they believe two men are responsible for the attack.

Detective Chief Inspector Bruce Kerr, the senior investigating officer, last night told The Courier that it was likely both men would have blood-stained clothing.

“This has been a horrific assault on a 22-year-old man who sustained multiple stab wounds,” he said.

“It was a very serious incident where a camper was seriously assaulted and stabbed numerous times in the head and body.

“We’re urgently trying to trace the males responsible and we’re asking any campers or visitors to T in the Park if they come across a blood-stained knife or similar weapon please leave it and contact any police officer or steward right away.

“It’s very important we do that because we still haven’t found the weapon yet.”

The detective also said the victim might have died had it not been for the on-site doctor.

He said the police cordoned off the area where the incident took place and the forensic examination of the area continued yesterday.

“The campsite would have been very busy at the time of this assault and I would urge anyone who witnessed the incident, who has not yet made themselves known to the police, to speak to any police officer at the festival.”

The men police are seeking are both white.

The first suspect was described as white, in his late teens, about 6ft 1in, of skinny build with short, dark brown hair and wearing a white tracksuit top.

The second was also said to be white, about 5ft 8in and of medium build and with short, dark brown “mullet-style” hair.

He was wearing a red tracksuit top.

Colin Rodger, event manager at T in the Park, praised the role played by the emergency services.

He said, “We are upset that this incident took place last night, but we are extremely pleased to hear that the assaulted man is in a stable condition.

“This is a real testament to the first-class response from the emergency services that isolated the incident extremely quickly and provided the very best medical care available anywhere in the country.

“We are assisting the police with their investigation and focusing on ensuring the rest of the audience stay safe and enjoy the remainder of their T in the Park experience.”

He added, “We must also praise the majority of the fans who have in very good spirits all weekend and up until this point there had been no serious crimes recorded by police.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or knows those responsible should contact the police immediately on 0845 600 5705 or speak to any officer.

Information can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Meanwhile, a 32-year-old man was found dead in his tent at the campsite at T in the Park.

The man was found by his friends at around 11.50am yesterday. They immediately raised the alarm.

Despite the best efforts of the medical staff on site, the man was pronounced dead at the festival field hospital.

A police spokesperson said, “While exact cause of death has yet to be established, there are no apparent suspicious circumstances and his death is believed to be a medical matter.

“Officers are in the process of informing next of kin. The name of the deceased will not be released until that has been done.

“As with all sudden deaths, a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal at Perth.” The death was not connected to the stabbing incident.