Man charged over stabbed boy

The boy was stabbed in the doorway of a house

A man has been charged with attempted murder, after a 12-year-old boy was stabbed four times.

The boy, who has not been named, was stabbed in front of police officers on Monday evening in the doorway of a house in Warbler Close, Southampton.

He had been abducted at knifepoint as he played with friends in woodland behind the house at about 1715 BST.

On Tuesday evening, police charged 23-year-old Gary Neil Grey with attempted murder, threats to kill, and kidnap of a 12-year-old boy.

The boy is said to be recovering well in hospital.

Mr Grey will appear before magistrates in Southampton on Wednesday morning.