A 69-year-old man was stabbed Thursday night in downtown Chilliwack while collecting cans.

Mounties say the victim was in the College Street/Victoria Avenue area near midnight when he encountered a younger man near an abandoned building.

After asking about the young man's business on the property, the older man was knocked to the ground and stabbed.

The victim was taken to hospital, where he is recovering from non-life threatening injuries, according to police.

"This is a really senseless attack on an elderly man," Const. Tracy Wolbeck said. "These kinds

of crimes are a very big priority for us. We are hoping that someone can help lead us to the person responsible for this."

The suspect in the stabbing was described as about 22 years old, with a slim build and dark hair. Anyone with information is asked to call RCMP at 604-792-4611 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.