14-year-old seriously ill after stabbing

A teenage boy is in a serious condition in hospital today after he was stabbed in the street, police said.

The youngster, believed to be 14, was attacked on Great Dover Street, Southwark, south London.

He was taken to Royal London hospital by air ambulance, Scotland Yard said.

The teenager was attacked after a row with a group of youths, police said.

Officers were called to the scene just after 5pm.

A Met Police spokesperson said: "At this early stage, it is believed the victim was involved in an altercation with a number of youths prior to the incident. We retain an open mind as to any motive."

Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Witnesses said the row spilled over from football pitches nearby.

The victim was attacked behind a student halls of residence on Great Dover Street, they said.

Police later confirmed the incident took place near the junction of Great Dover Street and Becket Street.

The youngster was stabbed twice once in the stomach and once in the chest, it is believed.

He was given first aid by staff at the Sidney Webb House, which houses 700 students from King's College London.

Many were packing up their belongings to return home today having finished their exams.

One, a first year mathematics undergraduate, told of her shock.

"It's a nice area - you don't expect something like that to happen here," she said.

Police were tonight examining CCTV footage from the halls of residence cameras which it is believed showed the attack. And forensic officers in white boiler suits continued to examine the scene.