X-ray shows knife stuck in skull

The teenager was stabbed after trying to prevent a robbery

A 17-year-old youth has been found guilty of attempted murder after stabbing a boy in the head with a kitchen knife.

The 16-year-old boy was critically injured during a failed street robbery near a bus stop in Walworth, south London, Inner London Crown Court heard.

He was taken to hospital with the knife still stuck in his forehead. Police released an X-ray image of the injury.

The defendant, who denied the charge, will be sentenced later this month.

He had targeted the boy outside Tesco on Old Kent Road last November when friends of the boy tried to stop him.

DNA traces

Three of the intended victim's friends stepped in and were stabbed. One suffered a chest wound and another minor injuries to his shoulder. Both have recovered.

The defendant was seen running away, but dropped his hat and mobile phone at the scene.

Forensic experts identified the attacker from DNA traces left inside the hat and he was arrested at home several days later.

The boy stabbed in the head has since recovered and although he requires regular hospital checks, it is believed he has started college.

"Anyone who carries a knife, risks a heavy jail sentence," said Det Con Scott Albert. "The defendant has affected four lives, including his own."

The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was also convicted of grievous bodily harm.