Teen stab victim 'critical'

Updated 09.45 Wed Jun 18 2008

Keywords: stab, teen, critical, London

A teenage boy is in a critical condition in hospital after he was stabbed in the street in south London.

The victim, believed to be 14, was attacked on Great Dover Street, Southwark, after a row with a group of youths.

The victim, believed to be 14, was attacked on Great Dover Street, Southwark, after a row with a group of youths

Police were called to the scene just after 5pm on Tuesday, and the boy was taken to Royal London hospital by air ambulance. It is believed he was stabbed twice once in the stomach and once in the chest.

Police have described the boy's injuries as life-threatening.

A Met Police spokesperson said: "At this early stage, it is believed the victim was involved in an altercation with a number of youths prior to the incident. We retain an open mind as to any motive."

Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Witnesses said the row spilled over from football pitches nearby and the victim was attacked behind a student halls of residence on Great Dover Street.

Police later confirmed the incident took place near the junction of Great Dover Street and Becket Street.

Investigators have been examining CCTV footage from the halls of residence cameras which it is believed showed the attack.