A TEENAGER was taken to hospital after receiving stab wounds in Darlington yesterday.

Police arrested a 15-year-old boy in connection with the incident on Collingsway, near West Park. 

Officers identified the suspect and conducted a large search operation across the north west of the town. It is believed the suspect and victim are known to each other. 

A large police presence was seen at Merrybent Community Woodland, while roadblocks on the A1 Northbound and Southbound were in place as a police helicopter and sniffer dog helped with the search.

The Northern Echo: Police enforced a roadblock on the A1(M) at Merrybent Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTPolice enforced a roadblock on the A1(M) at Merrybent Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

A spokeswoman for Durham Constabulary said: “Police were alerted to reports of a serious assault on Collingsway, in Darlington at approximately 12.45pm.

“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.

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

A spokesperson for North East Ambulance Service said they deployed a specialist paramedic, a double crewed ambulance, and requested support from the Great North Air Ambulance.

Police remained at the scene yesterday evening.

Nearby West Park Academy and Wyburn Academy were placed on ‘lockdown’ to protect pupils – but the incident is not believed to be linked to any of the schools.

Parents of pupils praised the schools’ quick-thinking for putting the children’s safety first throughout the day.

The schools sent out text messages saying their children were being locked inside for their safety.

Read more: Two Darlington schools in 'lockdown' after teen stabbed

A message from West Park Academy read: “We have been notified by the police that there is a serious ongoing incident in West Park.

“We are currently in lockdown and all children are safe. We will not allow any children to leave the school without an adult (not an older sibling) Please pick up as normal with an adult. Top gate is locked.”