Four teenagers arrested after 12-year-old boy stabbed in Essex

Four teenagers have been arrested following the stabbing of a 12-year-old boy in Essex.

The child was airlifted to hospital with a knife wound to his back after the attack in the town of Pitsea on Monday afternoon.

“His injury was described as serious but not life-threatening,” Essex Police said.

Three boys and a girl, all aged 14, have been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.

Police and the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAS) were called to an address in Mayfair Avenue shortly before 2pm on 24 August following reports a child had been attacked.

Detective Inspector Stewart Eastbrook called the stabbing a “nasty incident on a young boy”.

He said police believe those involved know each other.

“We are continuing to piece together information to establish the circumstances behind the incident," he added.

Mr Eastbrook acknowledged the incident was “concerning” for local residents and urged any witnesses to come forward.

“There were a number of people in the area at the time and we’d like to speak to anyone who saw what happened or has any mobile phone or CCTV footage that could help us with our enquiries,” he said, adding: ”I would ask anyone with concerns or information to please speak to officers who are at the scene and on patrol in the area.”

A spokesperson for the EEAS said: “An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance officer vehicle and Essex and Herts Air Ambulance were called to an address in Pitsea following reports that a child had been stabbed.

“One boy with stab wounds was transported by air ambulance to the Royal London Hospital.”

Anyone with information about the incident can contact Basildon detectives on 101 quoting incident 591 or report it online.

Additional reporting by Press Association