NEWCASTLE: Boy stabbed in the back

Boy stabbed in the back

Aug 23 2007

http://icnewcastle.icnetwork.co.uk/chroniclelive/eveningchronicle/tm_headline=boy-stabbed-in-the-back%26method=full%26objectid=19678202%26siteid=50081-name_page.html A BOY suffered a collapsed lung after being stabbed repeatedly in his back. The 17-year-old was found in an address at Sovereign Court, Newcastle, last night. He suffered five puncture wounds following an attack in nearby Diana Street and was taken to hospital for treatment, where he remains this afternoon. Today officers cordoned off the surrounding streets and were continuing to examine the scene for clues. Four people, aged 14 to 40, have been arrested and are still helping police with their investigation. It is not clear what caused the injuries. A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said: “At 11.15pm last night police were called to Sovereign Court, Newcastle, by the ambulance service concerning an injured teenager who had been assaulted on Diana Street. “The 17-year-old had five small puncture wounds to his back and was taken to Newcastle General Hospital, where he is in a stable condition, having been treated for a collapsed lung. “Four people have been arrested on suspicion of wounding and causing grievous bodily harm. They are a man, 24, a boy, 16, a woman, 40, and a girl, 14. “They are currently helping police with their inquiries. Parts of the area have been cordoned off to allow for forensic investigation.” This afternoon the scene remained taped off with police officers standing guard. The area is made up of blocks of flats as well as accommodation above shops. A North East Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “We received the call at 11.07pm and informed police. “Our crew arrived at 11.18pm and found a 17-year-old male who had puncture injuries. It is not clear how they were caused. “He was taken to Newcastle General Hospital for treatment.” Mary Jobson, 76, of Diana Street, said: “The police were here this morning and it was all cordoned off. It’s worrying when this happens on your doorstep.” A father, who did not want to be named, said: “It is getting worse and worse round here. As a parent, it is worrying to know that this kind of this is going on nearby.” Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0845 604 3043 ext 62555.