AN area of Blackshots playing fields in Grays remains cordoned off this morning after a stabbing last evening. A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

A police statement says: "We are investigating after a teenage boy was stabbed by another teenage boy at King George's Field, known locally as Blackshots Field, near Jesmond Road, Grays.

"The 15-year-old was attacked at about 5.15pm yesterday (Monday, 15 March) and was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

"A 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and causing grievous bodily harm. He remains in custody for questioning."

Despite the stabbing being connected by local residents with a recent attempted robbery that was thwarted by a passer-by and the theft of an e-scooter in the same area after a boy was threatened with a knife last week police are downplaying the concern that the area is becoming a focal point for criminal acts.

The statement continued: "We are treating this as an isolated and targeted attack, and officers are carrying out extra patrols.

"We'd 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.

"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."

A concerned resident whose own daughter was threatened in a recent attack in the area says: "The gang wanted his bike, he said no and tried to ride off, so they stabbed him in the back three times!" She says it is the same gang involved in the attack on her daughter.

The air ambulance rushed a medical team to the scene. The victim is reported to be in a stable condition in hospital.