A 15-YEAR-OLD boy from St Helens has been arrested after two teenagers were stabbed near a college in Widnes.

He was taken into custody along with seven other teenagers after two 16-year-old boys were stabbed close to Riverside College on Monday, February 3.

A series of dawn raids were carried out in Liverpool on Friday, February 7 which led to the arrest of seven teenage boys - a 17-year-old and six 17-year-olds.

Today, Tuesday, Cheshire Police said an eighth arrest was made.

A 15-year-old boy was taken into custody on suspicion of wounding with intent.

All eight teenagers have been released on conditional bail.

READ > Two boys arrested on suspicion of knife-point robbery on 16-year-old boy

Detective Inspector Ian Whiley, of Widnes Local Policing Unit, said: “Since two 16-year-old boys were stabbed near to Riverside College in Widnes shortly before 3pm on Monday, February 3, we have been gathering intelligence regarding those involved in this disturbing incident.

“The extensive work we have been doing behind the scenes led to a number of warrants being executed simultaneously on Friday, February 7.

“Seven of the eight boys subsequently arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent are from Liverpool, as is a 16-year-old boy who voluntarily attended a police station on Saturday, February 9 and was interviewed under caution in connection with the incident.

“The other boy arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent, a 15-year-old, is from St Helens.”

The two boys who were seriously assaulted are from Liverpool.

They were both taken to hospital in ambulances and have since been discharged after receiving treatment for their puncture wounds.

DI Whiley added: “Although we have now made a series of arrests in connection with the stabbings, our investigation continues and we are still appealing for information and footage from members of the public.

“If you were in the Kingsway area around the time of the incident and witnessed it, or anything else that may aid our investigation, please contact the team here at Widnes Police Station.

“We believe that passing motorists may have seen, and even have dashcam of, what happened.

“If you have any information, or dashcam or mobile phone footage, that may help us to establish exactly what happened and who was responsible please get in touch.”

People can call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 627919, or give the details via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about.

Information can also be given to the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information anonymously.

Chief Inspector Sarah Heath, Cheshire Constabulary’s knife crime lead, added: “Everyone at the force is pleased to hear that the two boys who were stabbed in Widnes are now back home recovering from the injuries they sustained.

“The consequences of the alarming incident could have been much worse for everyone involved, and their families.

“We take knife crime extremely seriously at Cheshire Constabulary.

“We have a structured prepare, protect, pursue and prevent approach to tackling knife crime that involves various partner agencies, including local authorities, education providers, health authorities, third sector organisations, youth representatives and community groups.

“We work together to educate young people about the dangers and futility of carrying weapons, steer them away from criminality and offer them attractive alternative ways to spend their time.

“The force is proud of the fact that we have one of the lowest rates of knife crime in England, and that Cheshire is one of the few counties in England and Wales that has seen a reduction in the number of knife related offences committed in recent times.

“But our aim is for weapon-free streets throughout the county and we will continue to endeavour – through education, awareness and action – to make Cheshire an area where no-one carries a knife or feels that there is a reason to do so.

“However, the police cannot achieve this goal on our own.

"Knife crime is a societal problem that cannot be solved without the support of the whole society.

“If you have any information regarding knife crimes or those who carry weapons please let us know, or let Crimestoppers know anonymously.”