A 13-year-old girl was fighting for her life after being allegedly stabbed in the neck – she also suffered wounds to her abdomen, chest and back.
Six teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody after Humberside Police rushed to the scene in Hessle, near Hull, at 6:50am this morning.
The arrested teenagers are four boys aged 14, 15, 16, and 17, and two girls aged 14 and 15.
The girl is in hospital in a critical condition after sustaining life threatening injuries in the alleged incident that took place next to the A63.
The road running next to the scene of the alleged crime remains closed and a police cordon is in place while officers search for evidence.
Detective Superintendent Simon Vickers, who is leading the investigation, said: “I understand this incident will rightly cause concerns amongst the community and I would like to offer my assurances that as a part of our initial investigation we have six individuals in custody who are all being questioned by detectives.
“At this time, we do believe the attackers knew the victim and enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances around the incident. The girl remains in hospital in critical condition and her family are being supported by officers at this difficult time.
“Locals to the area can expect to see an increased police presence over the course of the weekend as my officers provide additional reassurance to residents. If you see them and have concerns, please come and speak to us.
“There are currently cordons in place surrounding the wooded area off Ferriby High Road to allow emergency services to work safely and follow multiple lines of enquiry.
“I would also like to thank the members of the public who came to the aid of the girl and assisted her at the roadside before emergency services arrived.
“If you have any information that may assist officers, or if you have dashcam or CCTV footage from around the time of the incident, please contact us on our non-emergency number 101, quoting log 82 of 1 November.”