Man near death after attack in Dolores Park

(07-31) 18:14 PDT San Francisco -- A 40-year-old San Francisco man was clinging to life today after being stabbed repeatedly and robbed early this morning in the city's Dolores Park, police said.

The victim, whose name was not released, was in the park near 19th and Church streets at about 1:30 a.m. when he was attacked by up to a dozen people, police Officer Samson Chan said.

Details on the attack are still emerging, but the assailants beat and robbed the man, who was stabbed multiple times in the torso, Chan said.

Police detained seven people in the incident, but ultimately booked only three of those into jail, Chan said. The investigation is continuing and other attackers are being sought.

The three men arrested are being held on suspicion of attempted murder and robbery, Chan said. Police did not release details about the suspects but said they were 20, 18 and 17 years old.

The victim was taken to San Francisco General with life-threatening wounds.

Police are asking anyone with information about the attack to call the San Francisco police tip line at (415) 575-4444. Tips can also be sent via text to TIPS411.

E-mail John Coté at jcote@sfchronicle.com.