A teenage girl, Chloe West, was stabbed as she walked to school in Stourbridge, in the West Midlands, today. Two teenage boys were injured as they tried to help.
Staff, parents and pupils at the Ridgewood High School stepped in to hold back the knifeman who was attacking 14-year-old Chloe.
An 18-year-old man, reported to be Chloe’s “ex-boyfreind”, has been arrested in relation to the stabbing.
Chloe is had had surgery at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. The teenager is said to be in a stable condition.
Pupils have spoken about their shock at the stabbing. A 13-year-old said: “I saw people running towards me, then I heard a fight, then somebody told me what had happened.
“He [the alleged attacker] was lying on the floor with blood on his hands. One of my teachers was sitting on him, holding him down.”
Ridgewood High head-teacher Clive Nutting said: “Police were called to the school today before 8.50am after one of the pupils was attacked on their way to school. The school is closed for the day and the matter is now in the hands of police.”
Chief Inspector Mark Bramwell, of Dudley police said that the stabbing was probably an isolated incident, saying:
“We believe this to be an isolated incident and wish to reassure other pupils and parents that there no known risks to any other individuals. A man is in custody and will be questioned.”
Friends and well-wishers of Chole West have flocked to Facebook and Twitter to send their sympathies.
“I don’t know you. But stay strong babe. Everyone’s thinking of you. Be brave and I hope you have a full recovery.”
A friend wrote: “I just hope she’s okay 🙁 been crying most of this morning.”
On Twitter, a teenager wrote: “Chloe West stabbed today outside school. Praying for her! Come on Chloe! You gotta pull through!”
