A TEENAGE boy has suffered serious injuries after being stabbed in a "nasty attack".

The incident happened at around 11.50pm last night in Harrowby Street, Farnworth, and involved a 16-year-old boy.

Police and ambulance crews were called and the teenager was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

He is now in a stable condition, police have said.

Detective Sergeant Craig Wallace, of GMP’s Bolton district, said: “This is a nasty attack which has left a teenager in hospital and we are doing all that we can to piece together the circumstances of the incident and provide him and his family with the answers they deserve."

A 54-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of section 18 assault and is currently in police custody for questioning.

A police investigation has also been launched and scenes are in place at the Grapes Inn pub in Mossfield Road and at Ellesmere Park off Beatrice Street.

The landlord of the Grapes Inn, Ian McEvans, said that the incident had "nothing to do with my pub", adding that the incident had taken place in the park opposite.

However he said that the man who has since been arrested did come in to wash his face after falling and losing his glasses in the park.

Mr Evans added: "This is a lovely area but on the weekends, and especially when the kids are off, it just gets worse. It's an ongoing issue.

"I am not surprised about the stabbing, I think it was just a matter of time.

"These kids are drinking bottles of beer, wine and cider, and setting fire to the bins. 

"The people who live around here are absolutely terrified of these kids who are leaving a mess and shouting every weekend."  

Officers a now appealing for witnesses and anyone with any information to come forward.

DS Wallace said: “I appreciate that this may cause concern in the local community and I would stress that whilst we believe this to be an isolated incident, there will be a higher police presence in the area over the coming days for anyone who has any questions.

"Did you see anything suspicious in the area yesterday evening? - Anyone who has any information, no matter how insignificant they think it may be, should contact us immediately.

“We are also aware that people may have taken videos around the time of the incident on their mobile phones and we would ask these people to please pass these on and assist our enquiries.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 2161, quoting incident number 2747 of 12/04/19. Reports can also be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.