A TEENAGE boy has been taken to hospital after he was stabbed on Monday. 

The incident is believed to have taken place on Collingsway, Darlington, near the West Park area of town. 

Police said a suspect has been identified and a police operation is underway to make an arrest.

A spokeswoman for Durham Constabulary said: "Police were alerted to reports of a serious assault on Collingsway, in Darlington at approximately 12.45pm this afternoon (June 21).

"Colleagues from the ambulance service reported a stabbing incident and officers attended the scene.

"The victim, a male in his mid-teens was taken to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, suffering from stab wounds.

"A suspect has been identified and a police operation is underway to make an arrest.

"It is believed the suspect and victim are known to each other."

Police and air ambulance helicopters were seen circling the area on Monday afternoon. 

Nearby schools were placed on 'lockdown' to protect pupils, but the incident is not believed to be linked to any of the schools. 

A spokesperson for North East Ambulance Service said: "We dispatched a specialist paramedic, a double crewed ambulance and requested support from the Great North Air Ambulance.

"One patient was taken to hospital.”

More to follow.