A man’s in a stable condition in hospital after being stabbed during an argument on a street in the state’s west.

Police say the victim, 31, and a 26-year-old woman were getting out of a taxi on Rocket Street, Bathurst when they were confronted by a man they didn’t know, about 11.30pm (AEDT) Tuesday.

The two men got into in an argument which escalated and the 31-year-old was stabbed in the torso.

The attacker then left the area.

The victim and the woman took a taxi to Bathurst hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

Police want to speak to a man described as Caucasian, about 18, who was wearing a cap.