Boy stab victim in hospital

Police carry out a search of the woodland in Lordswood.

A 12-year-old boy is recovering in hospital after being stabbed several times when he was abducted in Southampton.

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

His two friends ran off, and the boy was taken to a house in Warbler Close where he was stabbed in the back, chest and side.

A 23-year-old man from Fareham remains in custody in connection with the incident.

We believe this to be a completely isolated incident, and are investigating it as attempted murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Bob Duncan

Officers were called to the house in Warbler Close on Monday night following reports of the abduction.

It is believed they found the man holding the boy at knifepoint in the doorway.

Officers overcame him, and provided first aid to the injured child.

The boy, who cannot be identified, was taken to Southampton General Hospital.

He did not require surgery, his condition is described as stable and he is making good progress, according to police.

Detective Chief Inspector Bob Duncan, who is leading the inquiry, said: "We believe this to be a completely isolated incident, and are investigating it as attempted murder.

"We know that there were many witnesses who saw this happen, and urge anyone who saw this or a man acting suspiciously in the Warbler Close after 1700 BST on Monday to please call us as soon as possible."