Boy, 13, in hospital after city centre stabbing

The boy is in hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening

A 13-year-old boy has been taken to hospital after being stabbed in Bristol city centre.

The victim was attacked near Cabot Circus at about 19:40 BST on Thursday and was taken to hospital with injuries that are not life threatening, police said.

Police are still searching for the suspect who was reported to have been part of a small group of young people who fled after the assault near the junction between The Horsefair, Hanover Court and Concorde Street.

Police have confirmed the boy is in a stable condition in hospital.

'Continue at pace'

The location of the stabbing is close to a McDonald's restaurant where a 16-year-old boy was stabbed in February.

In May, a man was left in a critical condition after another stabbing in the same area.

Det Insp Ben Lavender said: “An investigation is well under way to identify the suspects and our enquiries will continue at pace today.

“We’ll be keeping the boy’s family updated on our progress and will give them any support they need."

Clare Moody, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset Police, said she was "deeply saddened" by the incident.

She said "significant resource" and effort was dedicated to addressing the ongoing issue of knife crime in the city, including increased police visibility, community engagement and youth intervention work.

Ms Moody added: "It is crucial that we support one another and work as a community to protect our young people and prevent further tragedies.

"Let’s stand united against knife crime and create a safer, more supportive environment for everyone in in Avon and Somerset."

Police have urged anyone who witnessed what happened to contact them.