A VIOLENT incident which left a man unconscious in the street in the early hours of the morning has shocked a village in the Clay Country.

Residents in St Stephen witnessed a significant police presence and a street taped off at the weekend.

Devon and Cornwall Police said they were called out to a report of a disturbance and serious assault on Rectory Road in the village in the early hours of Saturday (October 17).

A man in his 30s who had been badly injured was found unconscious and was taken to hospital by ambulance.

Four local men, one aged 19 and the others in their 20s, were arrested on suspicion of committing grievous bodily harm.

The teenager was also arrested on suspicion of having an offensive weapon in a public place.

The four men have since been released on bail pending further police enquiries.

The police said it is believed that all the men involved in the Rectory Road incident were known to each other.

People have reacted with shock and concern in the village.

In a statement issued on Monday (October 19), Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Police were called to a report of a disturbance and a serious assault on Rectory Road in St Stephen near St Austell at around 1.30am on Saturday, October 17. 

“A man in his 30s was found unconscious in the street having sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains.

“Four local men, three in their 20s and one aged 19, were arrested on suspicion of Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent.

“The 19-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

“All four have been released on bail until January 2027 pending further enquiries.

“It is believed all individuals are known to each other. Enquiries remain ongoing.”