Tensions flare outside Portsmouth school where boy knifed in back

A 15-year-old boy was stabbed on Lower Drayton Lane in broad daylight at 3.46pm near Springfield School just after it had finished for the day on Monday March 10 as pupils were making their way home.

Three boys have since been arrested and bailed as police enquiries continue. The boy who was stabbed has since been released from hospital.

But tensions continue to simmer in the area, with reports of further arrests made by police on Friday outside Springfield School.

However, police have now denied anyone was arrested. A spokesperson said: “Officers were in the area carrying out patrols and engaging with people, but no arrests were made on Friday afternoon, so this information is incorrect.”

Last week, police said the victim - understood to be a pupil at the school - was stabbed in the elbow and back leaving a pool of blood on the ground.

Three arrests have been made in the days after the stabbing with a 14-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm the latest to be quizzed. He has been bailed until June 11 “pending further enquiries”.

It means he joins the two other arrested boys in not being charged - as it stands - following the incident that left a community horrified by the brazen attack as students were making their way home from school.

Another 14-year-old boy was initially arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm and has been conditionally bailed until 10 June.

A 16-year-old boy was also arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He has been conditionally bailed until 11 June.

District Commander, Superintendent Paul Markham said of the incident: “You will see officers in the area while we progress our enquiries. We’re also engaging with Springfield School, which is close to where the assault took place, to provide reassurance to the school community.

“Anyone with any concerns can speak to one of our uniformed officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team who will be patrolling regularly.

“It’s important that we also highlight that tackling serious violence including knife crime, robustly dealing with offenders and working in partnership to prevent offending remain a priority in the city.”

Anyone with information on this incident can contact police on 101, quoting the crime reference number 44250106313, or at: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

You can also make reports 100% anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/