Boy, 12, abducted and stabbed

Police carry out a search of the woodland in Lordswood.

A 12-year-old boy has been stabbed several times after being abducted while playing in woods in Southampton.

The boy was playing with two friends in woodland behind Warbler Close, in Lordswood, at about 1715 BST when they were approached by a man.

His two friends ran off, and the boy was taken to a house in Warbler Close.

Police were called to the scene, where it is believed the man held the boy at knifepoint in the doorway and stabbed him.

The 12-year-old was taken to Southampton General Hospital with what are described as serious injuries.

We do not believe anyone else has been injured, but we urge anyone in the Lordswood area who is missing a relative to conduct them

Police spokeswoman

Up to a dozen officers and police dogs are searching an area of woodland behind the house.

A police spokeswoman said: "Police were called to the scene by a neighbour, when they arrived, the boy was being held at the front door, where he was then stabbed several times.

"He has been rushed to Southampton General Hospital suffering from serious injuries.

"We do not believe anyone else has been injured, but we urge anyone in the Lordswood area who is missing a relative to contact them."

She said it did not appear that the stabbing was the result of a domestic dispute.

A 23-year-old man from Fareham has been arrested and is being held at a Southampton police station.