THE Essex police officer in charge of the investigation to the stabbing of a 15-year-old boy in Grays yesterday has issued a message saying the force has put more patrols into the Blackshots area and local people need have no fear.

The youngster is still recovering in hospital after being stabbed three times. A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Acting Inspector Rowan Perrior, who is leading the investigation, said: "We know incidents such as this will naturally lead to concerns throughout the community and I would like to reassure you that we believe there is no risk to the wider public.

"We have put in place additional patrols in the area. We are here to keep you safe and we would like to thank members of the public who have helped with our enquiries so far and would like to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw what happened, or lives in the area near where the attack took place and has CCTV, or doorbell camera footage."

Local residents have linked the incident to others in the locality, with two recent robberies at knifepoint causing particular concern but the police say while they are 'keeping an open mind' their initial enquiries suggest it is an isolated and targeted attack and there is no risk to the wider public.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Grays CID quoting reference 42/45803/21. You can submit a report online here where you can use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am and 11pm. Alternatively, you can call 101.

Information can also be given to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online."