PROVIDENCE — A 40-year-old man was in critical condition last night after being stabbed, the police said.

Detective Charles Boranian said the police are “intensely” investigating who injured the Providence resident, who he would not name. Officers responded at 1:38 p.m. to 517 Potters Ave. to find the man lying on the ground in front of that house.

Boranian said he apparently had a stab wound to the middle of his back and the officers “could not find a crime scene.”

The man was transported to Rhode Island Hospital and was in critical condition as of yesterday evening, Boranian said. The detective would not release any other details.