Bridgeport police say a man is recovering in the hospital after he was stabbed and beaten a group of teens.

The incident happened around 7 p.m. Saturday at the intersection of Maplewood and Hancock avenues, News 12 is told.

Police say the 31-year-old victim was attacked by three or four suspects, who beat and stabbed him repeatedly. The attackers then sped from the scene in a red pickup truck, heading toward Fairfield Avenue.

The victim has been identified as Charles Franklin, of Bridgeport. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and underwent a lengthy operation. His condition has since been upgraded to stable.

Police say it's not clear what led to the attack but they're continuing to investigate.

Community activist Joe Grits, who is a former gang member and has served time in prison, says he works hard to teach young people how to communicate without resorting to violence. Grits says he's hoping that young people will heed his call and stop what he calls the the cycle of crime.