Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following the unprovoked stabbing of a 10-year-old boy.

The CCTV picture, released today, shows a man on a street wearing a thick coat and carrying a rucksack.

It has been shared after Tanish Mistry, 10, was slashed in the throat in front of his mother on Saturday.

Leicestershire Live says police are now also linking that attack to two other horrors in the city - one on a mum out with her two children last Tuesday when she was cut on the back of her head by a man with a knife.

And on Thursday, a man in his 70s was found with wounds to his head and hands. Both victims needed treatment in hospital.

Police today released this CCTV image of a man they'd like to talk to (
Image:
Leicester Media Online)

Tanish, who was stabbed in the Belgrave area of the city, was also taken to A&E but has since returned home. His mum was not hurt in the horror.

Leicestershire Police want to talk to the man shown in the picture.

They say if anyone recognises him, has information as to his whereabouts, or believes they have seen someone matching his description should call police immediately with information, no matter how small.

Police continue to investigate in the Belgrave area of Leicester (
Image:
Leicester Media Online)

Officers are now trawling CCTV for further leads.

Detective Inspector Tim Lindley said: “These are serious incidents and we have a team of dedicated officers and staff carrying out full enquiries to establish the full circumstances.

"In light of these incidents, I would ask that people do remain aware and vigilant and report anything which causes them concern to the police.

"If you do recognise the man pictured, please do not approach him but please contact 999 immediately."

Three similar incidents are now being treated as linked (
Image:
Leicester Media Online)



He added: "Please look after yourselves and those around you and please take steps to keep yourselves safe when you are out and about.

"And please be assured that we do have officers in the area offering reassurance to residents and speaking to people regarding any concerns. Please do speak to these officers if you are in the area.

Police searched drains in Belper Street (
Image:
Leicester Media Online)



"We are linking the three incidents and are appealing to anyone with any information to make contact with us.

"Did you witness any of the incidents or events following them?

"Have you seen anyone in the area similar to the man pictured? Do you have any other CCTV or dashcam footage from the area during the past week which could contain vital information?

"If you have any details which you believe could help us, I urge you to make contact immediately with us."