OFFICERS believe a gang of youths were responsible for a string of incidents across Southampton which ended in a teenager being stabbed.

As already reported by the Daily Echo a 19-year-old was left with stab wounds after he was attacked in the street in Merryoak on Monday night.

Patrols are now stepped up patrols in the area whilst officers leading the inquiry have urged the public to help find all those responsible.

A 13-year-old boy is among those who remain in custody over the stabbing. Police are also continuing to question an 18-year-old man, a 15-year-old boy, a 15-year-old girl, and a 14-year-old boy.

Now police have revealed that those suspected of being involved in the stabbing were part of a gang that were involved in a street brawl and a robbery earlier that same evening.

Police say they were initially called at 4.15pm yesterday to reports of a group of young people fighting on Station Road in Netley but the group dispersed when police arrived at the scene.

A 15-year-old boy was found to have suffered injuries to his arm and chest for which he was treated in hospitalised but his injuries were not believed to be serious.

Officers say they believe the group boarded a train at Netley and later arrived in Sholing, Southampton.

At 6.30pm a 15-year-old boy was threatened on Sholing Road by a group of boys and girls demanding the boy hand over his mobile phone, which he did without any further incident.

Officers were later called at 8pm to Merryoak Road in Sholing to reports of a public order incident during which the 19-year-old victim had suffered stabs wounds.

As previously reported the injured man was taken to Southampton General Hospital by South Central Ambulance Service for treatment. His injuries were not considered to be life-threatening.

Detective Inspector Rob Heath from the Western Investigation Team said: “We will would like to reassure the communities affected by these incidents that there will increased patrols in these areas today.

"Neighbourhood Policing Teams in both districts will be visible and approachable should residents have any concerns.

“We believe these incidents are linked and that the attacks have been targeted.

"This kind disorder of will not be tolerated and we are following up all lines of enquiry to identify those involved.

“We would ask anyone who witnessed these incidents to come forward and make contact with us.

"Tell us what you saw, tell us what you know, in confidence.

“These incidents happened in day light, in residential areas.

"Did you capture any footage on your mobile phone, dash cam or private CCTV that could assist us with this investigation?

“Were you on a train yesterday after 4pm travelling west towards Southampton? Did you witness a group of young people using the train?

Meanwhile residents living in the Merryoak area spoke of their shock at the gang-related violence.

Mary Cooper, who lives off Merryoak Road, said: "I can't believe it. That sounds horrifying.

"I didn't hear anything - you hear sirens going down this road and don't think much of it because it's a long road but I wouldn't have thought something could happen down here."

Another resident said she'd heard there was a heavy police presence from her neighbour.

She said: "I was out last night so didn't hear about it until later, it's horrible and hard to believe something so horrible could happen near where you live.

"It's quite scary really."

Another resident added: "You don't expect to hear about these kinds of things happening near you it's horrible and on a road with so many children and families living here it's really worrying."

Anyone with information can call 101 and quote 44160277925 for the Netley incident, 44160278151 for the robbery on Sholing Road and 44160277957 for the public order incident on Merryoak Road.

Alternatively, information can be given to Crimestoppers and leave information anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report online.