Police have arrested six teenagers after a girl, 13, was found stabbed by the side of a dual carriageway.
Police said the victim, who has not been named, is in a “critical condition” in hospital after being stabbed multiple times in Hessle, East Yorkshire, this morning.
The girl was found by the side of the A63 with “lacerations to her neck, abdomen, chest and back” after police were called at 6.50am.
Members of the public rushed to help the girl as she lay injured by the side of the dual carriageway before paramedics arrived.
Four boys, aged 14, 15, 16 and 17, and two girls, aged 14 and 15, have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder by Humberside Police.
All six remain in custody.
Det Supt Simon Vickers said detectives believe the attackers “knew the victim”.
Images from the scene show two tents in a field overlooking the River Humber surrounded by police tape.
Det Supt Vickers said: “I understand this incident will rightly cause concerns amongst the community and I would like to offer my assurances that as a part of our initial investigation we have six individuals in custody who are all being questioned by detectives.
“At this time, we do believe the attackers knew the victim and inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances around the incident.
“The girl remains in hospital in critical condition and her family are being supported by officers at this difficult time.
“Locals to the area can expect to see an increased police presence over the course of the weekend as my officers provide additional reassurance to residents. If you see them and have concerns, please come and speak to us.
“There are currently cordons in place surrounding the wooded area off Ferriby High Road to allow emergency services to work safely and follow multiple lines of enquiry.
“I would also like to thank the members of the public who came to the aid of the girl and assisted her at the roadside before emergency services arrived.”
Searches are taking place in an area near the Hull Humber View Hotel in North Ferriby, adjacent to Hessle, BBC News reported.
Humberside Police has appealed for anyone with information, dashcam and CCTV footage to contact the force.
Emma Hardy, Labour MP for Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice, said: “This is absolutely awful. My thoughts are with this young girl, her family and her friends at this extremely difficult time.”
