Boy 'critical' after stabbing

The boy is in Lister Hospital with a stomach wound

A 15-year-old boy is in a critical condition in hospital after being stabbed outside a Hertfordshire school.

Stefan Meen is being treated for a serious stomach wound at the Lister Hospital in Stevenage.

The stabbing happened in an alleyway leading to Barclay Secondary School, on Walkern Road in Stevenage, at about 1530 GMT on Wednesday.

Seven boys, all from Stevenage and aged 18 or under, are in police custody in connection with the incident.

Family support

Stefan's family issued a statement saying: "We have been shocked by what has happened and we are hoping he will make a full recovery.

"We would like to extend our thanks to friends and family who have rallied round to support us at this difficult time."

A spokeswoman for Hertfordshire Police said: "The boy is very poorly. We are trying to get to the crux of the matter."

Stefan is understood to be a pupil at another school in the town.

A police officer is now at Barclay School to reassure teachers, pupils and parents.

The hospital said the boy's condition was critical but stable.