POLICE are investigating an incident in which a teenager was repeatedly stabbed on a Southampton footpath.

The 18-year-old victim suffered knife wounds to the torso and was rushed to hospital with what are described as serious but not life-threatening injuries.

Police were called to a wooded path leading from Monks Way to Octavia Road in Swaythling at around 5pm on Monday.

The vicious knife attack was condemned by Royston Smith, Tory MP for Southampton Itchen.

He told the Daily Echo: "This is a dreadful assault and no one deserves to be stabbed.

"There is no excuse for carrying or using a knife and those that do should understand that they are destroying their own lives and potentially the lives of others."

"The government has increased police numbers and part of that additional resource will focus on serious violence and knife crime."

Detective Sergeant Oliver Battersby added: “We understand that this incident is concerning to the local community and we are carrying out a number enquiries to ascertain the exact circumstances of what happened and who was involved.

“We are really keen to hear from anyone who witnessed this incident who has not yet made contact with us.

“We are also really keen to hear from anyone who was driving in the local area at around 5pm on Monday and may have dash-cam in their vehicle."

Residents say police were called after an injured teenager clutching his stomach knocked on someone's door.

One woman said: "I heard the air ambulance flying overheard and a whole load of sirens. A track leading down to the river is still cordoned off."

A South Central Ambulance Service spokesperson added: "We were called to Monks Way to reports of an assault.

"We sent the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, an ambulance officer and an ambulance crew to assess and treat one patient for serious injuries.

"Following treatment at the scene the patient was taken to University Hospital Southampton accompanied by the ambulance and air crew."

Anyone with information can call Hampshire police on 101, quoting crime reference number 44210408824.