Hunt for attackers after Halloween party stabbings

Police are hunting for attackers who stabbed five teenage boys at a Halloween party.

Officers said they were called shortly after 22:30 GMT on Saturday to Park Road in Chandler's Ford, Hampshire, where an "unknown group" had gained entry to the event.

Three boys aged 16 and two aged 17 were taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Two witnesses told the BBC a fight started after a group came in over a garden fence, although they said the motive for the stabbings was unclear.

One of the teenagers said: "I was [standing] in the hallway near the exit and I saw someone I know pull up their shirt and say 'I've been stabbed'.

"And then I later saw him lying outside the front of the house with someone compressing his wound."

The other witness said: "A big group of people started shouting and then a fight broke out and then we just heard the dad tell everyone to leave.

"And that was when we saw someone injured on the floor."

Barton Peveril Sixth Form College in nearby Eastleigh said two of those attacked were current students there.

In a statement, it said support was being offered and "our thoughts are with the victims and their families".

The head teacher of Thornden Secondary School in Chandler's Ford said some of its former students had been injured.

In a statement, Caroline Lowing said: "This news has been deeply upsetting for our school community.

"We are working to support any current students and families who may be affected."

Eastleigh MP Liz Jarvis said: "The community is in just shock this morning that such an awful thing could have occurred.

"My thoughts are with the parents of the boys, the boys and the whole community."

The MP urged people to "stay calm, don't be tempted to share misinformation online and let the police do their job".

A Home Office spokesperson said: "Our thoughts are with the young people injured in this appalling incident, their families and everyone affected. The police have our full support as they carry out their investigation.

"Stabbings and violent attacks have no place in our society. The Government is taking action through tougher laws, stronger enforcement, and support for policing as we work to halve knife crime and make our communities safer."

Hampshire Police has cordoned off parts of Park Road and the adjoining Valley Road.

Det Ch Insp Elizabeth Pirie previously said officers were trying to trace all partygoers as well as people with relevant video footage.

The vicar of Chandler's Ford, the Reverend Duncan Hollands, said: "It's awful, it's shocking, it's sad. Chandler's Ford is a very peaceful place. These sorts of things don't happen."

He said churches had opened their doors for people to pause for reflection or seek support.

St Boniface Church in Hursley Road will be open 09:00-17:00 through the week, while St Martin in the Wood in Queen's Road will be available Monday and Wednesday between 15:00 and 17:00.