AN arrest has been made and an investigation is ongoing following yesterday's assault and stabbings on children in South Ockendon.

A 16-year-old boy, from Purfleet, remains in custody for questioning following the incident in the area of Bonnygate Park, off Daiglen Drive, at around 4.20pm on Thursday, 20 March.

Three young people who attend Ockendon's Harris academy suffered injuries and were helped by officers and paramedics before being taken on to hospital. None of the injuries suffered are life-threatening or life-changing.

Officers were swiftly on the scene and inquiries are ongoing.

Chief Inspector Tony Atkin, Thurrock district commander, said: "This is being treated as a targeted incident of violence and while it is being taken very seriously, I am confident there is no threat to the wider public linked to this matter.

"This is a fast-paced investigation and detectives from our Criminal Investigation Department are actively pursuing key lines of inquiry.

"This includes seeking to identify all those involved.

"I've had officers across South Ockendon overnight and into the morning, both to support our investigation and to provide what reassurance we can.

"We have been assisted greatly by the public so far in this investigation and I would continue to appeal for anyone with footage or information which could assist us to get in touch.

"Incidents of this nature and knife crime in our district will simply not be tolerated and that's why we've had this level of response.

"I'm committed to seeing all those responsible apprehended."

CI Tony Atkin and Cllr John Kent have commented on yesterday's incident.

Thurrock Council leader Cllr John Kent has commented on yesterday's incident, and school-related violent scenes that happened outside another borough secondary school, Thames Park, yesterday.

Cllr Kent said: "There is no place for violence in Thurrock, and I am shocked and appalled to hear that several young people in our borough were the victims of violence yesterday. I am thankful that they are being well cared for, and wish them and their families well for a speedy recovery.

 "We are working closely with the police to support investigations and bring those responsible to justice. We will also support school communites through this difficult time.

"This kind of incident is thankfully rare in our borough, but I know it will raise fears among parents and young people locally.

"I want to send a clear message that we will not tolerate this kind of awful behaviour in Thurrock, and that the police and council will work together to ensure those involved in committing acts of violence are brought to justice."

A statement from Harris Academy echoed Cllr Kent's views. It said: "We understand that incidents like this can be unsettling for students and some may have questions or concerns.

"At times like this, it's especially important that we maintain our familiar routines to provide a sense of stability and ensure that students feel supported by their local community.

"If you have concerns about your child regarding this incident, please do not hesitate to contact the school."

Essex Police officers are continuing to seek information about the attack and in their statement added: "Although they rightly attract widespread attention when they do occur, incidents such as this are rare and we work hard to prevent them occurring.

"Within Thurrock, in the 12 months to January, we had seen a reduction of 22% in the number of incidents of serious violence.

"Anyone with concerns, or information which could assist us, is asked to get in touch with us directly. Please cite incident 896 of 20 March.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website where you can use our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111."